Maxine has a background in health, research and politics. Maxine began her career as a general nurse then completed an Arts Degree and a Masters Preliminary in Sociology, which led to a research role at the Centre for Behavioural Research in Cancer at Cancer Council Victoria. Maxine worked as an advisor to the Victorian Minster for Health before being elected to the Victorian Legislative Assembly in 2002. An eight year career in Parliament included senior government appointments of Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Minister for Children and Early Childhood Development, and Minister for Women’s Affairs. Maxine is currently CEO of Breast Cancer Network Australia and is on the Cancer Australia Breast Cancer Advisory Group. Maxine was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010.