Jane Hume
Jane Hume | |
|---|---|
| Born | April 30, 1971 Melbourne, Australia |
| Occupation(s) | Finance expert, politician |
| Years active | 1995–present |
| Known for | Senator for Victoria since 2016; Minister for Superannuation, Financial Services and the Digital Economy (2020–2022); Minister for Women's Economic Security (2021–2022) |
Edwina Jane Hume (; born 30 April 1971) is a finance expert and Australian politician who has represented Victoria as a senator since 2016, affiliated with the Liberal Party. From December 2020, she served as Minister for Superannuation, Financial Services and the Digital Economy, and in March 2021, she took on the additional responsibility of Minister for Women's Economic Security. She maintained both ministerial positions until May 2022, when the Albanese ministry commenced. Prior to her parliamentary career, Hume held prominent roles within banking, finance, and superannuation industries.
Early life
Born in Melbourne on 30 April 1971, Hume is one of two daughters born to Steve and Louise Exell. Her father held senior executive roles at Quaker Oats before transitioning to management consulting and business brokerage. Raised in Armadale, she attended Lauriston Girls' School and later earned a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Melbourne.
Career
Hume began her professional journey at the National Australia Bank (NAB) in 1995 as a manager specializing in sales and marketing research. The following year, she completed a graduate diploma in finance and investment through the Securities Institute of Australia. She continued at NAB as an investment manager from 1996 to 1998 and then as a private banker until 1999. Subsequently, she joined Rothschild Australia, initially serving as senior business development manager in asset management and briefly as key accounts manager. In 2002, Hume stepped away from the workforce to focus on family commitments. Between 2005 and 2006, she contributed to the management committee of Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia (PANDA).
From 2008 to 2009, Hume was vice-president at Deutsche Bank Australia. She also held board memberships at the Royal Children's Hospital (2011–2016) and Fed Square Pty Ltd (2015–2016). Before her entry into parliament, she worked as a senior strategic policy adviser for AustralianSuper.
Politics
Hume became a member of the Liberal Party in 2003. Prior to her Senate tenure, she held leadership positions within the Liberal Party of Australia (Victorian Division), including membership on the administrative committee, participation in the Women's Council executive, and serving as president of the party's Armadale branch.
Senate (2016–present)
In March 2016, Hume secured Liberal preselection for the Coalition's Senate ticket ahead of the federal election. Originally placed third behind James Paterson and Nationals senator Bridget McKenzie on the ticket, she was ultimately elected fifth among Coalition candidates during the 2016 federal election. Her nomination received backing from state party president Michael Kroger.
Ahead of the 2019 election, Hume contemplated running for the lower-house seat of Higgins following Kelly O'Dwyer's retirement but opted not to pursue it, emphasizing the importance of introducing "fresh talent." Subsequently, Prime Minister Scott Morrison facilitated her re-endorsement alongside Paterson amid internal party faction disputes.
In May 2019, she was appointed Assistant Minister for Superannuation, Financial Services and Financial Technology within the Morrison government. Hume publicly criticized Australia's superannuation framework for its "inefficiency," attributing this to excessive fees and subpar returns. She also proposed making superannuation insurance optional for individuals under 25 as a cost-saving measure.
Her role was elevated in December 2020 when she became Minister for Superannuation, Financial Services and the Digital Economy. Following allegations of sexual misconduct in parliament in March 2021, she was additionally appointed Minister for Women's Economic Security. She retained both ministerial responsibilities until May 2022 when the Albanese ministry assumed office.
Political views
Hume is known to advocate for socially progressive policies and aligns herself with the Moderate/Modern Liberal faction within the Liberal Party. During her inaugural speech, she highlighted the importance for conservatives to present a constructive social justice platform. She identifies as a "dedicated monarchist" throughout her life.
In May 2021, Hume stated that regulations concerning the cryptocurrency industry should empower Australian investors to assess risks independently. While acknowledging that cryptocurrency falls under Australian legal jurisdiction, she opposed imposing more stringent rules on influencers providing investment guidance compared to licensed financial advisors.
By September 2022, Hume advocated for the repeal of the Euthanasia Laws Act 1997, which limits Australia's territory governments from enacting assisted dying legislation. This marked a change from her earlier stance, influenced by the assisted death of her terminally ill father.
Personal life
Hume and her husband Andrew have three children together.
She is a fan of the St. Kilda Saints competing in the Australian Football League.