Fran Bladel graduated with a BA (Hons) from the University of Tasmania. She became a teacher at Rose Bay High and Bridgewater High and a coordinator of the Tagari Project from 1970-1985.

From 1989-1992 Bladel was Minister for Consumer Affairs, Administrative Services; Minister for Construction; and Minister assisting the Premier on the Status of Women. She is a member of the Administrative Committee of the Australian Labor Party. Bladel is also a member of the Australian Education Union; the Tasmanian Council of Social Services; the Working Women's Centre; the Community Enterprise Employment Project (Clarendon Vale); the East Derwent Branch Tas Arts Council; Management Committee Housing Assistance Service (H.A.S.); Tas Writers Union and the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom. She is Patron of the Eastern Shore Table Tennis League; the Risdon Vale Community Centre Management Committee; and the Bridgewater Police, Citizens and Youth Club.

Bladel is a founding member and secretary of 'A Taste of the Huon' Festival Committee. She is Chairperson of Bridgewater/Gagebrook Skillshare Inc and a foundation member of Emily's List (Tas).

Sources used to compile this entry: http://www.premier.tas.gov.au/cabinet/franb.html accessed 2001-10-03 and http://www.tas.alp.org.au/people/franklin_1.html accessed 2001-10-03.