14 Facts About Louise Asher

Louise Marjorie Asher was born on 26 June 1956 and is a retired Australian politician.

Louise Asher was a Liberal Party member of the Victorian Legislative Assembly from 1999 to 2018, representing the electorate of Brighton; she previously served in the Victorian Legislative Council from 1992 to 1999 as member for Monash Province.

Louise Asher served as a minister in the Kennett, Baillieu and Napthine governments.

Louise Asher joined the Young Liberal Movement in 1976 and served as state president in 1982.

Louise Asher studied at both Melbourne and Monash University completing a Master of Arts and a Bachelor of Education and was a secondary teacher during the 1980s before becoming an advisor to New South Wales minister Peter Collins.

At the 1992 state election Louise Asher was elected to the Victorian Legislative Council as the member for Monash Province.

An ally of Premier Jeff Kennett, Louise Asher had the opportunity to transfer into the Legislative Assembly in her local district of Brighton after the retirement of Alan Stockdale.

Louise Asher was involved in arrangements for the inaugural Melbourne Formula One race in 1996.

However Louise Asher successfully contested the deputy leadership and served as Shadow Treasurer.

Louise Asher was Minister for Tourism and Major Events as well as Minister for Innovation, Services and Small Business since 2 December 2010 in the Baillieu and Napthine Ministries.

Louise Asher resigned as deputy leader following the 2014 state election and was replaced by David Hodgett.

Louise Asher married former National Party MLC Ron Best on 10 February 2001.

Louise Asher retired from Parliament at the Victorian state election in 2018.

Louise Asher was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in the 2022 Queen's Birthday Honours.