Margaret Reid (minister)

Margaret Reid (1935-2003) was an Australian politician and Uniting Church minister. She served as a Senator for the Australian Capital Territory from 1981 to 2003, representing the Liberal Party.

Reid was born in Sydney and educated at the University of Sydney, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Laws. Before entering politics, she worked as a solicitor and lecturer in law.

In 1981, Reid was appointed to the Senate to fill a casual vacancy caused by the resignation of Senator John Knight. She was subsequently elected at the 1983, 1987, 1990, 1993, 1996 and 1998 federal elections.

During her time in the Senate, Reid served on numerous committees, including the Senate Standing Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs and the Senate Standing Committee on Regulations and Ordinances. She also served as Deputy President of the Senate from 1996 to 2002. She took a particular interest in issues relating to women, legal reform, and the Australian Capital Territory.

In addition to her political career, Reid was also an ordained minister in the Uniting Church in Australia. She was active in church affairs throughout her life. She retired from the Senate in 2003 and died later that year.