Dana Wortley

Dana Johanna Wortley (born 1959) is an Australian politician, representing the South Australian House of Assembly seat of Torrens for the South Australian Branch of the Australian Labor Party since the 2014 state election. She was previously a Labor Senator for South Australia from 2005 to 2011, elected to a six-year term at the 2004 federal election. She has decided to step away from politics at the next state election in 2026.

Dana Wortley MP
Member of the South Australian Parliament for Torrens
Incumbent
Assumed office 15 March 2014
Senator for South Australia
In office 1 July 2005 – 30 June 2011
Personal details
Born	1959 (age 65–66)
Party	Australian Labor Party (SA)
Spouse	Russell Wortley
Alma mater	University of South Australia

Early life and education

Dana Johanna Wortley^{[citation needed]} was born in 1959.^[1]

Wortley has a Bachelor of Education (Communication Studies) from the University of South Australia and a Diploma of Teaching from the Salisbury College of Advanced Education.^[2][3]

Career

Early career

Wortley was employed as a primary school teacher, a journalist, and state secretary for the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance before entering politics.^[2][3]

Politics

Wortley was placed third on South Australian Labor's Senate ticket at the 2004 federal election and was elected, commencing her six-year term on 1 July 2005. She was again placed third on the ticket at the 2010 federal election but her re-election attempt was unsuccessful with only the first two candidates elected. Her term ended on 30 June 2011.^[3]

Wortley won the South Australian House of Assembly seat of Torrens at the 2014 state election.^[4][5] She is a member of the Public Works and Social Development committees.^[6]

Wortley announced on 8 October 2025 that she would not be standing for election at the next state election in 2026.^[7]

Personal life

Wortley married fellow state Labor politician Russell Wortley. They have one son.^[2]