Hon GAIL GAGO MLC

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries

Minister for Forests

Minister for Regional Development

Minister for Tourism

Minister for the Status of Women

Gail was born in Mooroopna, Victoria and completed her secondary education at Shepparton High School.After high school, Gail studied at Philip Institute of Technology and the Austin Hospital where she graduated as a Registered Nurse. She later completed a Bachelor of Science Degree (Honours) at Monash University majoring in Psychology.

Gail and her husband Peter moved to South Australia in 1987, and she worked as a nurse for two years. In 1988, Gail commenced working with the Australian Nursing Federation (ANF) for around 12 years, first as an Organiser and later as Branch Secretary.

An active leader in health and industrial relations forums, Gail was a key participant in many campaigns to improve patient care, access to health services, wages and conditions for workers.

Gail was first elected to the South Australian Parliament on February 9, 2002 as a Member of the Legislative Council.

Following the second term election of the Labor Government in March 2006, Gail was appointed Minister for Environment and Conservation, Minister for Mental Health and Substance Abuse and Minister Assisting the Minister for Health.

On July 24, 2008, Gail was appointed Minister for State/Local Government Relations, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Consumer Affairs, Minister for Government Enterprises and Minister Assisting the Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Energy.

On February 8, 2011, Gail was appointed Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Public Sector Management, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Consumer Affairs and Minister for Government Enterprises.

On April 21, 2011, Gail was appointed Minister for Gambling.

Gail’s interests include bush walking and running.