About Marie

Biography

Marie Ficarra has served the people of New South Wales in a wide variety of capacities over many years. She brings to the Parliament, professional and corporate experience together with many years in community service and welfare organisations.

Marie was elected to Hurstville City Council in 1980 and became one of few young women at the time in Local Government. She went on to become Deputy Mayor and Mayor of Hurstville City and served its people with distinction up until 1995. Marie was also elected the President of the Australian Local Government Womens' Association and was accorded Life Membership of the Association in honour of her outstanding service. During that year she was elected to the New South Wales Parliament as the Member for Georges River and held the position until 1999. During that term she had the privilege of being appointed to serve in an area she is most passionate about as the Shadow Minister for the Environment.

Professionally, Marie holds a Bachelor of Science with first Class Honours from the University of Sydney. Following her graduation she became a Senior Tutor at the University in Histology and Physiology and worked in her early career as a scientist investigating children’s muscular dystrophy. She went on to have a successful career including becoming State Manager for Hoechst Australia (Pharmaceuticals) & Behring Diagnostics. Marie also served as the General Manager, Australia & New Zealand of Cytyc Australia Pty Ltd. This company introduced the Thin Prep Pap Test, used as a screening test for Cervical Cancer.

Marie was elected to the New South Wales Legislative Council on 24 March 2007 making her the first woman in New South Wales to serve in the Legislative Assembly then Legislative Council. She was the first woman in the Liberal Party of NSW to ever serve in both Houses of Parliament.

Upon Barry O'Farrell MP being elected Premier of New South Wales in March 2011, Marie was conferred the honour of being appointed Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier. Marie also Chairs General Purpose Standing Committee Number 2. This Committee inquires into the expenditure, performance and effectiveness of Government Departments.

Being an active member of her community, Marie has served in the past as President of Georges River Community Service, an organisation, which in honour of her extraordinary work, awarded her Life Membership. Over the years, Marie has also served as Patron and Vice President to a wide variety of community and sporting groups, including Vice-President, Georges River Penshurst Cricket Association and St Georges Umpires League, Baden Powell Scouting Association of Australia, Bambara District Scouts, 1st Hurstville Scouts; Australian Air League, Peakhurst Girls Squadron, Sydney All Breeds Dog Training Club, South Hurstville Returned Serviceman's Leagues Youth Club, Peakhurst Amateur Swimming Club Inc, Kogarah Meals on Wheels. Marie also served as Chair of the St George Emergency Services Committee.

Marie is married to Dr Alan Carless. Her interests include travel, politics, reading, opera, theatre, cinema, swimming, sailing, bush walking and enjoying life.