About us

Kelly was elected in a by-election in December 2009 at the age of 32 to represent the seat of Higgins, her local electorate, following the retirement of former Federal Treasurer Peter Costello.  Kelly is currently the Deputy Chairman of the Coalition’s Deregulation Taskforce which is chaired by Senator Arthur Sinodinos AO.  She is also a member of the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Economics and Chairman of the Coalition’s Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee.

Kelly grew up in Emerald, in Victoria’s Dandenong Ranges. She was educated at Presbyterian Ladies College in Burwood and went on to attend Melbourne University, graduating with Honours in Law and an Arts degree majoring in history. Upon leaving university, Kelly embarked on a legal career at Freehills, where she practised in corporate law.

In 2004, Kelly commenced as an economic policy adviser to the Federal Treasurer.  As an Adviser, and then Senior Adviser, she was responsible for several key policy areas including competition law and competition policy, foreign investment, private equity, corporate and securities law, financial market conduct, corporate governance, accounting policy issues and consumer protection. Kelly regards the driving of significant competition reforms, essential for preserving a culture of innovation and enterprise for all businesses, as one of her major policy achievements in this role.

After the 2007 Federal Election, Kelly undertook a role as an executive at National Australia Bank, where she was involved in building a new business area.
Kelly is a board member of Bowls Australia and an Ovarian Cancer Ambassador. She has also been a member of the Victorian Advisory Council of Camp Quality, an organisation that supports children and families affected by cancer.

Kelly has represented various organisations in leadership forums such as the Australian Israel Leadership Forum, Australian Davos Connection Leadership Retreat, the Australian American Youth Leadership Dialogue, the Asialink Australia-Asia New Leader’s Program, and the Rambam Fellowship Program. 

Kelly is married to Jon and they live in the Higgins electorate. Kelly enjoys running (slowly) along the Yarra River, a night out at the movies or catching a DVD at home with Jon.  She is a keen supporter and follower of the North Melbourne Football Club.