Amanda was a former Australian Ambassador to Italy 2007- 2010 and former Liberal Senator for South Australia between 1984-2007. During her term as a Senator she held several portfolios in both Government and opposition including being Minister for Employment, Education, Training and Youth Affairs between 1996-1997, Minister for Justice & Customs between 1997-2001, Minister for Family and Community Services 2001-2003 & Minister for Immigration, Multicultural & Indigenous Affairs between 2003-2007.