Heinisch-Hosek was born in Guntramsdorf, District of Mödling, Lower Austria, on 16 December 1961.

[2] Heinisch-Hosek, a teacher by training, worked in a Viennese toyshop and in the adult education center in Mödling from 1983 to 1984.

She was a member of Parliament for the Social Democratic Party for the districts of Mödling and Greater Vienna from 1999 to 2008.

[2] She was appointed federal minister for women and civil service to the cabinet led by Werner Faymann on 2 December 2008, replacing Heidrun Silhavy in the post.

[2] In December 2009 Austria’s parliament approved a legislation that enables same-sex couples to enter into civil unions.