Originally a high school teacher of English and French, a good part of Deirdre’s subsequent career has been in the telecommunications sector, working with the former Telecom; the former AUSTEL; Optus; and finally the TIO, where she was Deputy between 1999 and 2001, and Ombudsman between 2007 and 2010. Between 2002 and 2007 she was the State Ombudsman for Western Australia, as well as the Electricity Ombudsman for that State. She has a strong interest in not-for-profit governance and regulation, and, following six years as a part-time commissioner with the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation, she is now a member of the WA Gaming and Wagering Commission. Deirdre lives in country Victoria.