Sue Knowles was born in Brisbane and educated in Adelaide, Launceston and at Loreto Convent in Perth. Her occupation prior to Parliament was general manager in the office equipment industry.

Since her election to the Senate in 1984, Sue Knowles has served on numerous Senate Committees. Following the election of the first Howard Government in 1996 Sue was appointed Chairman of the Senate Community Affairs Legislation Committee. This Committee deals with issues ranging from Health, Aged Care and Family and Community Services.

Sue has held various positions within the Parliament, being chairman of many committees, leader of various delegations and worked throughout the huge electorate of Western Australia. She is also one of the temporary Chairmen of Committees in the Senate Chamber and is Deputy Chairman of the Privileges Committee. Sue is also the National Vice President of the Arthritis Foundation.

Her long and practical small business experience gives her a special concern for the impact of taxation on the small business and rural sectors. She is highly committed to assisting the rural sector in Western Australia and takes every opportunity to visit country areas, and to put the case of farmers in Canberra, while maintaining her affiliation with the metropolitan community in general. However her longstanding interest in all facets of health care in Australia occupies much of her time and is the area, which presents the greatest challenges.

While there is not a lot of time left to focus on much else, Sue loves all sports but most of all, enjoys playing tennis and bike riding.