The Australian Women's Register

Tierney studied politics and Asian studies at the Flinders University South Australia, before entering the trade union movement. During the early 1980s she worked for Australia Asia Worker Links (AAWL), promoting research and study tours in South Korea, The Philippines, Japan and Hong Kong, focusing on union, human, indigenous and women’s rights in those countries, and encouraging Australian companies active in Asia to maintain proper standards of care.

Following her period at AAWL Tierney was a Federal Industrial Officer with the Australian Public Service Association and held that position until joining the Vehicle Builders Union in 1989.

Tierney was the first woman to become State Secretary of the traditionally male-dominated Vehicle Division of the Automotive, Metals and Engineering Union (now part of the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union), serving in that role from 1993 to 2006, and serving as its Federal President from 2000 to 2006. Tierney also served on the executive of the Australian Council of Trade Unions from 2000 to 2006.

Tierney is a keen advocate for regional development and is currently Deputy Chair of the Victorian Rural and Regional Parliamentary Committee.

Apart from regional infrastructure and employment, Tierney is also a strong supporter of environmental sustainability, gender representation, social inclusion and community development.

Tierney is married and has one adult child.