Clare grew up in Melbourne’s south-east and studied Law at Monash University. She was elected to the City of Greater Dandenong Council while at university and later served as mayor.

She earned a Master’s in Public Policy from Harvard and worked at the New York Stock Exchange before returning to Australia. She has advised the Commonwealth Treasurer and consulted across key industries including, banking, manufacturing and retail.

Clare was elected to Federal Parliament in 2013, representing Hotham—one of Australia’s most diverse electorates. She has held several senior shadow portfolios and became Minister for Home Affairs and Cyber Security in 2022. In 2024, she was appointed Minister for Housing and Homelessness, and with the re-election of the Albanese Government, was reappointed in 2025 taking on the additional responsibility of the Cities portfolio.

She lives in Melbourne with her husband and three children.