The Australian Women's Register

Ilse Robey came to Australia before World War II, after being educated at Vienna University and gaining a doctorate and an interpreter’s diploma.

She held a variety of jobs in Australia, including work for an American film distribution agency and an organisation which dealt with social services, immigrant education and public relations. She returned to Europe in the trade commissioners office of an Australian embassy, and while there became foreign editor of a leading central European daily newspaper.

On her return to Sydney she worked for an accountant, before becoming a medical secretary.
She became a foundation member of the Bradfield branch of the Australian Democrats in 1977.

At the time of her first campaign she was a widow and had three adult children. She stressed reform of the State’s education and transport systems.