The Australian Women's Register

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.

Vanstone served as 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), Minister for Justice and Customs (21 October 1998 to 30 January 2001), Minister for Family and Community Services and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for the Status of Women (30 January 2001 to 7 October 2003), and Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs (7 October 2003 to 30 January 2007).

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.

Amana Vanstone was honoured with an AO in the Australia Day Honours list in 2020 for distinguished service to the Parliament of Australia, to the people of South Australia, and to the community.

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