Allison, Lynette (Lyn) Fay (1946 - )

Lyn Allison was elected to the Senate for Victoria in 1996 and 2001, becoming Leader of the Australian Democrats in 2004. She is an outspoken campaigner on health, education, environment, nuclear and women's issues.

Before entering politics, Allison completed a Bachelor of Education (Melb.) and worked as an administrator (1964-86) and a secondary school teacher (1987-91). She became a Councillor for the City of Port Melbourne in 1992, before being elected to the Victorian Senate in 1996.

Between 1998 and 2006, Lyn Allison served on the Legislation and References Committees for Environment, Recreation (later Information Technology), Communications and the Arts; and for Community Affairs. She served as Senate Select for Superannuation (1996-98); the Victorian Casino Inquiry (1996); the Lucas Heights Reactor (2000); Medicare (2003-04); and Mental Health (2005). In 2002 she was a member of the Parliamentary Delegation to New Zealand.

From 2002 to 2004, Allison was Australian Democrats Whip and Deputy Leader. She became Leader of the party in December 2004.