Ljiljanna Ravlich

Ljiljanna Ravlich First woman born in a non-English speaking country to be appointed a minister in the State Government. Ms Ravlich is also the first Croatian-born woman ever elected to a parliament outside Croatia.
 

Minister flies migrant flag

Ljiljanna Ravlich notched up a record for migrant West Australians yesterday, becoming the first woman born in a non-English speaking country to be appointed a minister in the State Government.

After a brief caucus meeting yesterday, Ms Ravlich, 46, was elevated to Cabinet, taking up the ministerial responsibilities left by the resignation last week of Local Government Minister Tom Stephens, who will now run as the Labor candidate in the Federal seat of Kalgoorlie.

Ms Ravlich dismissed claims her factional status as one of Labor's powerbrokers in the Centre faction had won her the job rather than her parliamentary work.

"I see myself as being a meritorious candidate and nothing will convince me otherwise," Ms Ravlich said. "I'm over the moon about being the next minister elected to the Cabinet.

"As the first woman born in a non-English speaking country to be elected to the WA Parliament, I am very honoured and I know that I represent the aspirations of hundreds of thousands of migrant West Australians."

Born in Split, Croatia, Ms Ravlich is also the first Croatian-born woman ever elected to a parliament outside Croatia.

http://www.thewest.com.au/20040922/news/general/tw-news-general-home-sto129389.html