Clare is a passionate advocate for her community. She holds a double degree from Monash University and has also attended Harvard University as a Fulbright Scholar, where she graduated with a Master of Public Policy. 

She is a former Mayor of the City of Greater Dandenong and was the youngest female mayor in Australian history. Immediately before running for Parliament, she worked in business as an Engagement Manager at McKinsey & Company. There she worked with CEOs of Australian companies, helping them solve their most difficult problems.'

In 2010, she spent 9 months living in East Arnhem Land, working on business development with a local Aboriginal community. She has a special interest in economics, Indigenous Australia and – as a mother and a former foster parent – the welfare of Australian children. 

Clare O’Neil has been the Member for Hotham since September 2013. Clare was first appointed to the Shadow Ministry in 2016 as the Shadow Minister for Justice.

Clare was also appointed as Shadow Minister for Financial Services, and Shadow Minister for Innovation Technology and the Future of Work, in 2018 and 2019 respectively. As of January 2021, Clare O'Neil was the Shadow Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services.

From May 2022 to July 2024, Clare served as Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Cyber Security. She is currently the Minister for Housing and Minister for Homelessness.