Biography

Following the retirement of former Treasurer Peter Costello, Kelly was elected in a by-election in December 2009 to represent her local electorate of Higgins at the age of 32 years.

Kelly grew up in Emerald, in Victoria’s Dandenong Ranges. She was educated at Presbyterian Ladies College in Burwood and went on to attend Melbourne University, graduating with Honours in Law and an Arts degree majoring in history.

Upon graduating from university, Kelly embarked on a legal career at Freehills, where she practised in corporate law.

In 2004, Kelly commenced as an economic policy adviser to the Federal Treasurer. As an Adviser, and then Senior Adviser, she was responsible for several key policy areas including competition law and competition policy, foreign investment, private equity, corporate and securities law, financial market conduct, corporate governance, accounting policy issues and consumer protection.  Kelly regards the driving of significant competition reforms, essential for preserving a culture of innovation and enterprise for all businesses, as one of her major policy achievements in this role.
After the 2007 Federal Election, Kelly undertook a role as an executive at National Australia Bank, where she was involved in building a new business area.

Kelly is a board member of Bowls Australia.  She is a former board member of Creativity Australia, an organisation which fosters social inclusion of marginalised members of the community. She has also been a member of the Victorian Advisory Council of Camp Quality, an organisation that supports children and families affected by cancer.
Kelly has represented various organisations in leadership forums such as the Australian Israel Leadership Forum, the Australian Davos Connection Leadership Retreat, the Australian American Youth Leadership Dialogue, the Asialink Australia-Asia New Leader’s Program, and the Rambam Fellowship Program. 

Kelly is the Deputy Chair of the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Economics and a member of the Joint Select Committee on the Parliamentary Budget Office.

Kelly is married to Jon and they live in Higgins. Kelly enjoys running (slowly) along the Yarra River, a night out at the movies as well as catching up with friends and family.  She is a keen supporter and follower of the North Melbourne Football Club. In her spare time Kelly can usually be found with her nose in a book or on the telephone.

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