Vanstone obtained a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Adelaide, as well as a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice and a Marketing Studies Certificate form the South Australian Institute of Technology. She began her career as a retailer, and worked in wholesaling before becoming a solicitor.

Since entering Federal Parliament, Vanstone has been appointed Minister for Employment, Education, Training and Youth Affairs (11 March 1996 to 9 October 1997); Minister for Justice (9 October 1997 to 21 October 1998); and Minister for Justice and Consumer Affairs (21 October 1998 to 30 January 2001).

She has been a Member of the Cabinet and the Legal Committee of the Cabinet; Parliamentary Secretary to the Deputy Leader of the Opposition; Shadow Special Minister of State; and spokesperson on the Status of Women. She was involved in the National Campaign Against Drug Abuse.

Married to Tony, she is a supporter of the RSPCA.

Sources used to compile this entry: http://www.vanstone.com.au/basic/bframe.html, accessed 28/11/2001; http://www.facs.gov.au/minister/biography.htm, accessed 28/11/2001; http://www.aph.gov.au/senate/senators/homepages/web/s-7E4.htm, accessed 28/11/2001.