Marie Breen


Dame Marie Freda Breen was an Australian politician who served as a Senator for Victoria from 1962 to 1968, representing the Liberal Party.

Early life

Marie Freda Chamberlin was born in St Kilda, Victoria, to Jane Maud and Frederick William Chamberlin. Her father worked as a clerk at the St Kilda City Council. Chamberlin attended St Michael's Grammar School, and then after a course in shorthand and typing found worked as a law clerk. She married lawyer Robert Tweeddale Breen on 12 December 1928.

Politics

Breen was introduced to public life when her husband became Mayor of Brighton in 1941. In 1952 she served as chairman of the Federal Women's Committee of the Liberal Party of Australia. She was a Senator from July 1962 until her retirement in June 1968.

Family

She married Robert Breen on 12 December 1928. Their daughter, Jeannette Patrick, also entered politics. She was the Liberal Member for Brighton, 1976–85, and as Parliamentary Secretary.

Legacy

Breen attended St Michael's Church of England Grammar School. In 1987, when the school decided to bring in a new house, the house was named after Dame Marie Breen. In 2010 she was nominated for the Victorian Honour Roll of Women for her work as a member of the Australian Senate, representing the Liberal Party of Australia.