Jennifer Howard (Australian politician)

Jennifer Ruth Howard (born 12 July 1965) is an Australian politician. She has been the Labor member for Ipswich in the Queensland Legislative Assembly since 2015. Jennifer has been active in community groups such as Zonta International, school P&Cs, sporting club committees, and other community groups.

In 2005, Jennifer played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Ipswich Women's Development Network, a not-for-profit organisation that helps empower women in Ipswich.

2015 State Election
Howard defeated Ian Berry at the 2015 Queensland state election by a margin of 65.9% to 34.1%, achieving a two party preferred swing of 20.09%.

2017 State Election
The main contenders for the seat of Ipswich at the 2017 Queensland state election were Howard (as the incumbent)and the recently dismissed One Nation Senator Malcolm Roberts. The results on polling day were clear as the former Senator was comfortably defeated by Howard, with a margin of 60.89% to 39.11%.

2020 State Election
This election saw Howard's primary vote increase to 51.8%(3.82% swing) bringing her total vote to 66.5% beating her LNP opponent Scott O'Connell at 33.5%.

Parliamentary Positions
Howard currently serves as the Assistant Minister for Treasury, Trade and Investment. Prior to this appointment, she served as the Chair of the Ethics Committee from 26 November 2020 to 12 February 2024. She has also served as the Assistant Minister for Veterans' Affairs and Assistant Minister of State (2017-2020), Assistant Minister of State Assisting the Premier (2016-2017), and Assistant Minister for Local Government (2015-2016). She also served as the Chair of the Agriculture and Environment Committee from 27 March 2015 to 18 February 2016.