Age: Late 40’s
Electorate: Senate, South Australia
Political affiliation: Liberal Party of Australia
1. Why are you running?
I have lived and worked all around our great state, and I believe that I have the skill set and breadth of experiences that are needed to be a Senator.
I have worked hard in every role that I have had the privilege of holding, and have a history of professional experience that couples well with my genuine understanding about the challenges of raising a family.
I want to make a contribution and help shape the conversations about ensuring that young people make the most of their opportunities and that our Elders live the best possible lives.
2. What do you want to achieve?
There are three key areas that I am absolutely focused on: getting children to school, adults to work and making communities safe.
Making progress in these areas will help Indigenous disadvantage in other areas - including health outcomes.
I want to be part of the Turnbull Team that is focused on jobs and growth, because I genuinely believe that the responsibility and the self pride felt in having a job, cannot be understated.
3. Is your Aboriginality important in deciding what policies you want to pursue?
I believe that it is important that Indigenous perspectives are reflected across all portfolio areas, and certainly my background means that I have already started the important engagement process.
I had the privilege of growing up on country learning from strong women and men, and certainly all of those experiences and teachings are with me in everything that I do - I have a particular interest in the policy areas of community health, education, the arts and social housing.
4. Treaty, Sovereignty or Recognition?
I think that all three have their merits.
I support the fact that the Coalition is taking a methodical approach to assessing these three options, and am pleased that communities are at the front and centre of these reforms.
The Prime Minister said this year that a referendum to recognise Indigenous Australians in the constitution is achievable next year, which is very pleasing.
5. It’s July 3, the day after the election, and you have been elected, what is the first thing that you want to get a move on?
I would hit the ground running! Frankly, I would seek a meeting with Minister Scullion and look to discuss the Coalition's plan to Close the Gap.
One of the issues dear to my heart, and one of the Coalition's highest priorities is to improve community safety.
The experience of trauma, grief, drug and alcohol misuse and family violence is not a way of life that anyone should have to endure.
