In 1987, Ruston began working as an electorate officer for state Liberal MP Peter Arnold.[1][2] She joined the staff of state tourism minister Graham Ingerson in 1993 as a tourism policy adviser, and in 1996 was appointed as an executive officer at the Wine and Tourism Council. Her appointment was controversial as Ingerson was accused by the state opposition of interfering in the selection process in her favour.[3][4]
Ruston was closely involved with the creation of the National Wine Centre of Australia, initially as project director and then as the centre's inaugural CEO.[3] It was publicly announced by Premier John Olsen in 1998 as a centre for wine tourism and education, as well as office space for various wine industry groups.[5] Ruston oversaw the construction phase of the centre, announcing three months prior to its opening in 2001 that she would not renew her contract.[6] In 2000 she and the centre's chairman Rick Allert were called before a parliamentary committee over possible breaches of procurement guidelines.[3] By the time of her departure the centre was employing over 100 people,[7] but was reportedly struggling to break even and required a bailout from the state government. Its financial difficulties were attributed to a decline in air travel following the September 11 attacks and the collapse of Ansett Australia. However, independent MP Peter Lewis stated that the business plan approved by Ruston and Allert overstated likely visitor numbers.[8]
In 2003, Ruston and her husband purchased Ruston's Roses, a commercial rose-growing property in Renmark established by her uncle David Ruston in 1948.[9] He was the first Australian to serve as president of the World Federation of Rose Societies.[10] At the time of purchase it reportedly contained 50,000 rose bushes of 4,000 varieties and over 700 varieties of iris, spread over 11 hectares (27 acres).[11] However, as a result of the Millennium drought she had to suspend commercial growing for three years, and the gardens subsequently evolved into "primarily a retail-tourism business" with the addition of a tourism centre, function rooms and cafe.[12] She was managing director until her appointment to the Senate in 2012, after which she remained as a co-owner.[13]
Ruston is a member of the Moderate faction of the Liberal Party.[18][19]
In 2017, when Cory Bernardi moved a motion to ban sex-selective abortion, Ruston was one of the ten senators who voted in favour. The motion was defeated by a vote of 10 – 36.[20][21]
Personal life
Ruston is married to Richard Fewster and they have a son.[22]
