In 2002 I was elected as the State Member for Shepparton District in the Legislative Assembly and am currently the Shadow Minister for Local Government and the Shadow Minister for Aboriginal Affairs.

My career in politics started in 1996, when I became the first female to represent The Nationals in the Victorian Government after I was elected as the Member for the North Eastern Province in the Legislative Council. I enjoyed my time in this position because I was proud to represent the people in the north east - the best region in Victoria!

I have held many parliamentary roles for The Nationals in the Legislative Council, including deputy leader and whip.

When I was nine years old, my family migrated to Australia from England. For a short time we lived at the migrant camp in Preston and then moved to Shepparton where I have lived ever since. I was educated at St Georges Road Primary School, Gowrie St Primary School and then moved on to Shepparton Girl's Secondary College.

Prior to entering Parliament I held a variety of occupations including film processor, television presenter, singer, marketing and sales, office manager and director of the family business, Ian Powell Auto Electrics.

I was also a Local Government councillor from 1990 to 1994 in the Shire of Shepparton and served as Shepparton Shire president in 1993 and 1994. After council amalgamations I was appointed a commissioner with the Shire of Campaspe from 1994 to 1996.

When I relax I enjoy a wide range of family activities and my hobbies include singing, music, reading, gardening and photography.

My husband, Ian, and I live on a small property in Kialla in the City of Greater Shepparton and we have two adult sons, Corey and Nathan, who are both pursuing their careers.

Jeanette in brief ....

•  Jeanette came to Australia from Liverpool, England in 1958 and now lives in the Shepparton district.

• Jeanette married Ian in 1970 and lives at Kialla in the City of Greater Shepparton. Jeanette and Ian have two adult sons, Corey and Nathan.

• Jeanette and Ian ran the family business, Ian Powell Auto Electrics, in Shepparton.

• Jeanette has been involved in the entertainment industry as a singer and television presenter.

• Councillor of the former Shire of Shepparton from 1990 to 1994.

•  President of the Shire of Shepparton 1993 to November 1994 - first female President.

• Commissioner with Shire of Campaspe - November 1994 to 1996.

• Elected to the Victorian Government Legislative Council for North Eastern Province on 30th March 1996.

• The first woman to be elected for The Nationals in the Victorian Parliament.

• The Nationals Whip and deputy leader in the Legislative Council, Parliament of Victoria.

• Elected to the Legislative Assembly for Shepparton District November 2002.

• Unique distinction of becoming the first women to represent The Nationals in both houses of parliament.

• Shadow Minister for Local Government and shadow Minister for Aboriginal Affairs

• Executive Member of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Victoria.

• Deputy Chair - Family & Community Development Committee since 1996, member of the Parliamentary Library Committee, member since 1996 and the Standing Orders Committee since 2002.

Currently:

Patron of Goulburn Valley National Servicemen of Australia

Patron of Shepparton Men's Shed

Patron of Goulburn Valley National Council of Women

Patron of DEOR Women's Network

Patron of People Supporting People

Life Member of Australian Local Governance Women's Association

Member of Shepparton Retirement Villages

Board Member of Goulburn Murray Local Learning and Employment Network

Member of Friends of Goulburn Valley Library

Member of Friends of Shepparton Art Gallery

Member of Friends of Goulburn Valley Hospice

Honorary Member of  Woodturners of The Goulburn Valley

Honorary Member of Mooroopna Rotary Club

Honorary Member of Shepparton Club

Former and founding member of the:

•  Northern Industry Education Board

• "The Bridge" - Youth Services

• Goulburn Regional Youth Committee - Ministerial Appointment

• La Trobe University Regional Consultative Committee - Shepparton Campus

• Former Parliamentary Representative to La Trobe University Council