What is your background?
I’m an advocate, publicist and volunteer worker in the field of disability and disadvantage. As a young, wheelchair-dependent woman, my advocacy sprang initially from my own experiences. But after national exposure on the SBS ‘Insight’ program, I became very aware of the many people who shared similar experiences and expressed similar hopes and ambitions. Unlike most politicians, I’ve had personal challenges with disabled access, transport availability, and medical services. In my hometown Gympie, I’m readily recognisable as I traverse the community in my electric wheelchair, attending meetings, lobbying councillors and volunteering for community organisations. My Facebook page ‘Up and Down around Gympie Town’ highlights my busy days as a passionate advocate.
Why do you think you would be a good candidate to represent the seat of Wide Bay?
I’m firmly grounded in the everyday experiences of an ordinary citizen. I know ‘from the inside’ about cost of living, affordable accommodation and inadequate health services. But I also know the value of optimism, enthusiasm and hard work. My advocacy has helped improve the daily lives of numerous fellow citizens, particularly those doing it tough.
If elected, what would you do to address each of the following issues?
Health Services
Nationally, health services must be more available and affordable. The Greens will extend bulk-billed GP services in regional areas, and include dental and mental care in Medicare. Personally, I argue passionately for strengthening the NDIS.
Cost of living
Greens policies will lower the cost of living through massively increasing public housing, capping rent increases and ending capital gains concessions and negative gearing for multiple investment properties. The Greens will prevent price gouging by supermarkets and make child care free.
Immigration and border control
Immigration should fill shortages in key occupations, enable family reunions and match Australia’s refugee obligations – all within the principle of a sustainable, prosperous population. Necessary border controls must be lawful and humanely enacted.
Electricity prices
Safe, cheaper electricity can be achieved only by renewable energy (rooftop and large-scale solar, wind and hydro) with strategic battery storage.
National roads and rail infrastructure
Nationally, high speed passenger rail and long-distance freight rail need to be developed to reduce dependence on road and air transport.
I won’t win this election! But a strong No.1 vote for me will send a signal to the cautious, business-as-usual ALP and Coalition that – to combat the current crises – they need to match key Greens policies. As well, a vote for Senator Larissa Waters will mean she’ll be part of the Greens balance of power that experts are tipping.
