Page142 - Week 01 - Thursday, 3 December 2020
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . 2020 Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video
work hard to navigate fundamental differences of opinion and to promote and empower people through evidence, transparent practices and ongoing dialogue.
I would now like to share a bit about my history and experiences. All have shaped my views and values and, ultimately, the attributes I will bring to my role as a member of the Legislative Assembly.
Firstly, I would like to thank those people who have shared this journey with me.
I would like to acknowledge the other members of the Assembly and say that I am very excited that I will work with all of you over the coming years. I would like to thank the Chief Minister, the Deputy Chief Minister, Madam Speaker and my fellow Labor colleagues. Thank you for supporting me to get here today. I feel very privileged to work in your company. To my four fellow members for Murrumbidgee, it was an absolute pleasure getting to know you over the campaign period, and it is going to be a colourful few years. Minister Steel, as a fellow Labor member for Murrumbidgee, I am dedicated to working with you in a strong team, delivering positive outcomes for our community.
Thank you to my parents, Annie and John. You instilled in all your four children a sense of social justice and the importance of making a contribution to your community, which is a large part of why I am here today. To my sister, Felicity, and my brothers, Malcolm and David, and their families, thank you for your unwavering love and support.
Thank you to Mark Nelson. When I came to him as a complete unknown, wanting to run as a candidate, he believed in me. Thank you for your support, advice and friendship over the campaign period. To my team—Bentan, Rhys, Ella, Dorathee and Abby—thank you for going above and beyond. To my ANU colleagues, thank you. To Emily’s List and my mentor, Sarah Lovell MP, thank you for your support. To my beautiful friends, my life is so enriched by you all.
To the party office, the Weston Creek Molonglo and Woden sub-branches, and the volunteers and supporters who worked with me over the many months of the campaign, thank you.
To my partner, Darrin, you have been the most unbelievable support to me. You are my best friend in the world, and I love every second of life with you. To my partner’s family, especially Valerie and Ray, thank you for your ongoing and amazing support. To my three children—Bill, Estelle and Josie—you light up my life. Every day I am so proud to be your mother. Every pamphlet you letterboxed, every person you talked to and every moment you were with me contributed to me being here today.
I have spent the majority of my adult life living in the ACT in the electorate of Murrumbidgee. I did, however, grow up in Melbourne, in the 1980s and 1990s. My father works in business, and my mother is an olive oil producer in East Gippsland. I grew up with my sister and two brothers in a largely non-political household. My mother’s side of the family were and still are farmers in East Gippsland, so my childhood was spent between Melbourne and the farm.
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . 2020 Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video