Helen Coonan

Helen Lloyd Coonan (born 29 October 1947), Australian politician, has been a Liberal member of the Australian Senate since July 1996, representing New South Wales. She was born in Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, and was educated at the Sydney University, where she gained a law degree. She was a barrister and solicitor before entering politics. She was Chair of the Board of Governors of the Law Foundation of New South Wales 1991-92.

Coonan was Minister for Revenue and Assistant Treasurer 2001-04, and has been Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, with a seat in the Cabinet, since July 2004.