Mary Jo Fisher

In February 2013 it was reported that the Police Complaints Authority (PCA) had launched an investigation into the prosecution of Fisher, in particular the actions of senior police in overruling prosecutor advice not to pursue the case. The matter was referred to the PCA by John Rau the South Australian Attorney-General after receiving a letter from Fisher's husband, John Crosby.

On 21 June 2012, ABC News announced that police had confirmed Fisher had been involved in a second shoplifting incident, and she would resign from Parliament on 10 August 2012. She said she was still trying to recover from her depressive illness and continuing to serve in public office would not be conducive to her recovery. On 10 August she delayed her resignation until 14 August.

Fisher made headlines in March 2011 when she mocked Prime Minister Julia Gillard by dancing the Hokey Pokey and the Time Warp in the Australian Senate during a speech arguing against the Government's climate change policy.

In July 2011, it was revealed that Fisher had been charged with shoplifting and the alleged assault of a security guard at an Adelaide supermarket in December 2010. Fisher said she would vigorously defend the claims. If convicted on either charge, Fisher would have lost her seat in the Senate. Senator Fisher's defence was that she was suffering from depression and a severe panic attack at the time of the offence. On 18 November, magistrate Kym Boxall cleared Fisher of shoplifting charges, but found her guilty of assault, although no conviction was recorded and no penalty was imposed.

Fisher was chosen on 6 June 2007 to fill a vacancy in the Australian Senate caused by the resignation of the Hon. Amanda Vanstone. This preselection was the subject of an internal party appeal by fellow candidate Maria Kourtesis. On 5 June 2007 the appeals tribunal set up by the SA Liberal Party dismissed Mrs Kourtesis appeal in a 4–1 vote. A joint sitting of the Parliament of South Australia officially nominated Fisher as a senator on 6 June 2007. Fisher was sworn in as a South Australian Senator on 12 June. Maria Kourtesis remained fourth on the SA Liberal Party Senate ticket for the 2007 election.

Mary Josephine Fisher (born 25 December 1962) is a former Australian politician. She was a Liberal member of the Australian Senate from June 2007, representing the state of South Australia, but resigned in August 2012, after twice being charged with shoplifting.