Carmel Zollo was elected as an A L P member to the South Australian Parliament in October 1997, and is the first Italian-born female Member of the Legislative Council. After responsibilities both in opposition and government including Legislative Council Whip and Parliamentary Secretary, she was appointed in March 2005 Minister for Emergency Services, Minister Assisting in Mental Health and Assisting the Minister for Industry and Trade in the Rann Government. In November 2005 she was appointed Minister for Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister Assisting in Regional Health and Assisting the Minister for Industry and Trade. Carmel is the first Italian-born Cabinet Minister in South Australia.

Carmel was born Carmelina Russo in Tufara (Benevento), Campania Region of Italy in 1952. She is part of the migration story post world war II. Along with her mother, Maria Russo (nee Pisaniello) and her sister Liliana, they migrated to Australia in 1957 to join father and husband, Tonino Russo, who had migrated in early 1952.

Tonino lived and worked in the Campbelltown area prior to buying the family home in Harcourt Road, Payneham, where Maria still lives. The house was home to many relatives before they married and moved to their own homes – most in the City of Campbelltown. Tonino passed away in 1992 aged 77.

Carmel is married to Lou Frederick Zollo. Lou's migration story is similar to Carmel's, and although they did not know each other in Italy, the Zollo family was from an adjoining village only a few kilometres away. Lou's parents Alfredo and Maria Luisa Zollo lived in Hectorville for many years. Alfredo passed away in 2001 aged nearly 80.

Carmel and Lou were married in 1973 and have three children, Alfred, Steven and Dianna. They first lived in the suburb of Paradise and then moved to Athelstone in 1986.

Carmel is a supporter of many community organisations and a Justice of the Peace.

Hon Carmel Zollo MLC