About Wendy
Born and raised in Launceston, Wendy and her family enjoy the benefits of life in Tasmania. Wendy married John Askew in Launceston in 2018 and together they enjoy being part of this community. Wendy’s two adult children also serve the Tasmanian community – one as a schoolteacher, and the other with Tasmania Police.
Wendy is a proud Tasmanian who loves being involved in community activities. She has been a Rotarian for almost two decades, is a past president and Paul Harris Fellow, and remains a passionate and active member of her Club.
Wendy has represented Tasmania in the Senate since March 2019, when she filled the casual vacancy created by the resignation of David Bushby. As a Senator, Wendy has been appointed as the Chief Opposition Whip in the Senate, serving an integral role in the day-to-day running of the Senate and ensuring the Coalition is best organised to effectively scrutinise the government.
Wendy also has extensive experience on a variety of parliamentary committees, including: Senate Select Committee for Work and Care; Senate Standing Committees for Community Affairs, Publications, Education and Employment; the Joint Statutory Committee for Law Enforcement; and the Joint Standing Committees for the National Disability Insurance Scheme, Electoral Matters, and the Parliamentary Library.
Prior to being appointed to the Senate, Wendy was an Adviser to the Hon. Dan Tehan MP in his various portfolios as Minister for Veteran Affairs, Minister for Social Services, and Minister for Education. Wendy also worked with former Federal Members for Bass, Michael Ferguson and Andrew Nikolic, and played a key role in each of their election campaigns.
Outside Parliament, Wendy had an extensive and successful career in banking, in a range of senior management positions, and supported St Giles Society as General Manager, assisting children and adults with disabilities across Tasmania. Wendy holds a Diploma in Business Management and a Diploma in Business Management (Human Relations) and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Wendy has a keen desire to see all Tasmanians realise their maximum potential through policies that support them to achieve their goals, with a hand up rather than a hand out. Wendy understands that small businesses need to be able to make decisions in their best interests rather than worry about red tape restricting them. Wendy is working to keep our economy strong and vibrant because that is what allows us to deliver the essential services Tasmania needs.
and her family continue to enjoy the many benefits of life in Tasmania. Wendy and her husband, John, were recently married in Launceston. She also has two adult children, both serving the Tasmanian community – one as a school teacher, and the other with Tasmania Police.
Wendy is a proud Tasmanian who loves being involved in community activities. She has been a Rotarian for over 10 years, is a Past President and Paul Harris Fellow, and remains a passionate and active member of her Club.
Wendy has had an extensive and successful career in banking, having held a range of senior management positions. She also had the opportunity to support St Giles Society as a General Manager, assisting children and adults with disabilities across Tasmania.
Wendy has worked with former federal Members for Bass, Michael Ferguson and Andrew Nikolic, and played a key role in each of their election campaigns and more recently as an Adviser to The Hon Dan Tehan MP.
Wendy has a keen desire to see all Tasmanians realise their maximum potential through policies that support them to achieve their goals, with a hand up rather than a hand out. Wendy understands that small businesses need to be able to make decisions in their best interests rather than worry about red tape restricting them. Wendy is working to keep our economy strong and vibrant because that is what allows us to deliver the essential services Tasmania needs.