Jan McLucas

Minister for Human Services

Jan was born on the Atherton Tablelands in far north Queensland and was educated at the local primary school in Ravenshoe, before moving to Clayfield College, Brisbane.

She trained as a teacher at the Townsville College of Advanced Education (now James Cook University), where she was president of the student union.

She enjoyed a ten-year primary school teaching career before her election as a Cairns City Councillor in 1995. Jan was elected to the Senate representing Queensland in 1998.

Growing up in rural community and living in a regional town, Jan is very focused on ensuring regional Queensland gets their fair share.

Jan served as the Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Carers from 2010 to 2013 where she played a critical role in establishing the landmark National Disability Insurance Scheme.


“Australians with disability, their families and carers have fought for years to receive the support they need and deserve. The National Disability Insurance Scheme has been the goal of so many people over so many years and I am truly privileged to have played a role in this historic reform.”

In 2012, Jan was also appointed Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister, and in March 2013, she became the Minister for Human Services where she works to ensure that Australians get services and support in the most efficient and timely way possible.

Growing up in the tropics, Jan is a keen gardener and loves learning about and propagating native plants and trees of the region.