Therapist and small business owner

Franklin is a beautiful place to live. But I’ve seen how hard things are for mums, dads, kids, our veterans and their families when they are trying to get help. I have been on both sides of the fence — as a patient, and a provider. I know how frustrating it is to not be able to get your sick kid in to see a GP in Franklin. I’ve been there too, with my own.

I was raised in the outback where I learned the value of hard work and a strong work ethic. I left home at 12 to attend boarding school and supported myself through university. I became a single mum when my daughter was 3 and I worked hard to keep a roof over our heads. In recent years I’ve started my own small business and have been a carer for my father. I understand what it’s like to be a mum, a single mum & carer because I’ve lived it.

For the past 20 years I‘ve helped the lives of others, but it feels like I’m fighting with one hand tied behind my back. Instead of more funding, we get more red tape. Instead of more staff, we get more excuses.

Nothing’s going to change until we change our politicians. That’s why I’m standing up.

Why I’m running

House prices are out of control

I work every day with people whose biggest fear is a rent increase. They’d have to choose between food and fuel. No Tasmanian should be struggling to put a roof over their head. We should be investing in affordable low-cost housing. The current Government has talked a big game, while doing very little – even after Jacqui successfully negotiated to clear our $200 million public housing debt.

Mental health is health

I’ve seen our mental health crisis up-close; both as a mental health professional, and personally. As a new mum, I struggled with postnatal depression. I felt how hard it is to get into a mental health professional, and when you do, it costs the earth. We should be able to get help when we need it.

Accountability

I want to represent the people of Franklin, not big business. I’m running with the JLN because of their commitment to transparency - declaring all donations over $1000 and refusing donations from big business and unions. It seems like common sense to me, but both major parties have shelved plans to make political donations more transparent to the public.

Education

Half of Tasmanian adults are functionally illiterate. Our schools let them down. I will have two kids in Tasmanian schools; I want them getting a good education. All Tasmanian kids deserve the best start in life we can give them.