Born in Brisbane, Queensland on 28 July1908, Annabelle Jane Mary Rankin, who grew up in a political household, became well-known throughout Queensland from her association with church activities, girl guides, the Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA) and the Red Cross.
She was also an active member of the Country Women's Association, the Victoria League and the Royal Empire Society.
Rankin became the first woman party whip (opposition), when she took up her seat in the Senate in July 1947, a position that she held until the next election.
Then from 1952 to 1966, she became Government whip.
On Australia Day 1966, prime minister, Harold Holt, appointed Rankin Minister for Housing, making her the first woman to be appointed to federal ministerial position involving administration of a department.
After leaving politics, Rankin became High Commissioner to New Zealand in 1971.
The Federal seat of Rankin was created 1984) in her honour.
Annabelle Rankin passed away two years later, on 30 August 1986.
Text: http://www.womenaustralia.info/biogs/IMP0047b.htm
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