1.    When and why did you decide to become a politician?
I decided to become a politician because I don't believe the Australian economy is performing for everyone and I recognise that the Greens have a more socially responsible vision for the future.

2.    What do you think are the issues that matter to young people?
Young Australians face similar problems to older Australians, although issues relating to the future such as water shortages, climate change and fair work conditions take on extra importance. Housing affordability is also a major issue, as is the rising cost of education.

3.    How do you plan to address these issues?
The Greens plan to tackle these issues by scrapping university fees for domestic students and cancelling HECS/HELP debts, shredding WorkChoices and using science to determine the best course of action on climate change, rather than accepting the coal industry's desire to grow and pollute.

4.    How do you engage with young people to find out what issues matter to them?
I am a Deakin University student and have had many on-campus discussions with teachers and students about politics and issues of importance.

5.    What did you care about when you were a young voter?
When I was a young voter, I was primarily concerned with education costs, which have since risen considerably.

6.    What is your opinion of young people in Australia?
I believe young Australians are interested in politics and are not apathetic towards their government, although both the Liberal and Labor Parties are exclusive and do not look to include young people. I think young people are frustrated with their perceived lack of ability to change things for the better and so often become disenchanted with the system in general.

7.    How do you think our political system can better engage with younger voters?
Changing the voting age from 18 to 16 would provide young people with a say and allow for greater involvement.

8.    What are the key long-term challenges facing Australia?
Climate change and the growing gap between rich and poor are the major long-term issues facing Australia, as are ongoing conflicts such as those in Iraq and Afghanistan.

9.    If you could change one thing about Australia what would it be?
If I could only change one thing about Australia, I would immediately make the switch from coal-dependent power generation to renewables.

10.    Describe a time when your political opinion was challenged or changed.
My political opinion was challenged this year when Labor Leader Kevin Rudd agreed to Prime Minister John Howard's Northern Territory Aboriginal intervention plan. Up until then, I believed Labor offered at least some alternative to the Howard Government, although I am now sure the Greens are the only party with a social conscience.

11.    What’s your favourite thing about your electorate?
My favourite thing about Calwell is its cultural diversity.

12.    What do you do to relax?
To relax I spend time digging around in my vegetable garden with my chooks.