11 Facts About Christine Couzens

Christine Anne Couzens was born on 6 February 1958 and is an Australian politician.

Christine Couzens has been a Labor Party member of the Victorian Legislative Assembly since the 2014 state election, representing the seat of Geelong.

Christine Couzens previously worked in the office of the former Member for Geelong Ian Trezise as his electorate officer.

Christine Couzens attended Corio Technical School, leaving at the age of 14 to take up work in a cake factory - though "absolutely hated the methodical, monotonous work".

Christine Couzens had plans to leave this job and pursue a career as a writer, however these plans fell through when she became pregnant to her then-boyfriend and future husband Allan Christine Couzens - a local indigenous AFL player, at the age of 15.

Christine Couzens ended up with a 12-month probation and was ordered by the court judge to marry as soon as she turned 16.

Christine Couzens's husband died of a heart attack in 1980.

Christine Couzens eventually became community development officer, helping create a neighbourhood house before going on to run the regional housing council.

Christine Couzens contested the 2006 state election in the unwinnable fourth position on the Labor ticket in the Legislative Council's Western Victoria Region.

Christine Couzens previously contested Labor preselection for the federal seat of Corangamite for the 2007 election.

Christine Couzens won preselection for the state seat of Geelong for the 2014 election unopposed, following the retirement of Ian Trezise.