The Hon. Jackie Kelly MP was elected as the Member for Lindsay in 1996. Prior to entering Parliament, she served as a Legal Officer in the RAAF, attaining the rank of Squadron Leader.

In 1998 she was elevated to the Ministry as Minister for Sport and Tourism, and the Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for the 2000 Olympics. It was during this time that she had her first child, Dominique.

In 2001, with the impending birth of her second child Lachlan, Jackie declined a new ministerial portfolio in order to spend more time with her family. She remained in the outer ministry as the Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister.

Jackie lives in Penrith, Sydney, with husband, Gary, an orthodontist and her two children.

Q1.When and how did you first develop eczema?
A. I first developed eczema as a baby.

Q2. What were your symptoms and how often did you experience them?
A. My symptoms included white elbows and knees that were cracked, dry and itchy. I usually experienced these symptoms with asthma during Spring and Autumn.

Q3. How would you describe the severity of your eczema?
A. My eczema was moderate.

Q4. Is there a history of eczema, hayfever or asthma in your family, and if so, who suffers from these conditions?
A. There is a history of eczema and asthma in my family. My mother and three siblings suffer from these atopic conditions.

Q5. Did you consult any health professionals about your eczema in the past?
A. I consulted a doctor and dermatologist about my eczema.

Q6. What, if anything, do you feel, triggered your eczema?
A. Asthma and seasonal changes triggered my eczema.

Q7. Why have you agreed to become Patron of the Eczema Association of Australasia?
A. In all likelihood my children will suffer from eczema as I have. So community awareness and acceptance of this condition is important to me, as is ongoing research. That's why I've agreed to become Patron of the Eczema Association of Australasia.

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