I didn't 'plan' to be a politician. I was involved in community organisations, which was hereditary, as both my parents were community activists, through the church, the schools, sport, and just being active. This was a burden as a child, as we were always involved in community fund raising, organising, and catering at events - and always cleaning up!

I joined my union when I started working in the APS, and gradually took on positions, and was drawn to committees. It was a curse, but I do love a committee!

As a woman in the trade union movement, with community connections through women’s organisations, links with aboriginal groups, and social welfare groups, I was involved in the ALP women’s committee. When a vacancy occurred for the Senate, I was fortunate enough, with some real support from friends, to be selected. I was aware of the political process, interested in the system and political history, and as a public servant, I knew the legislative process, and the real need for strong, responsive public policy - it worked!

2.  What do you think are the issues that matter to young people?
I do not think that you can generalise about issues on an age basis. There is no 'average' voter. The knowledge, experience, interests, of young people vary. However, I can mention what young people are talking to me about at meetings, stalls and contact at the office and email, as well as at youth parliaments, where some young people are deeply involved in the political system.  

There is deep concern about the environment, how current lifestyles and resource usage are affecting the planet, and the atmosphere. Global warming is understood, and there is fear and anger about the responses of governments and waste.

Industrial relations, wages, work conditions, and the insecurity of opportunities and employment into the future.

Cost of living, particularly as students. Workload, some young people have several part time jobs and are balancing work, study, and social responsibilities, with HECS debts stretching into the future.

Anger and frustration about 'labeling' and generalisations, these are a start.

I am lucky to have met many young people who are deeply interested in the issues around global poverty and a response to the UN ‘Millennium Goals’, this is linked to our own national response to indigenous health, through the ‘Close the Gap’ campaign. Many of the activists and campaign workers are young, some still at school, so this is exciting and challenging. I think what concerns me the most are the comments about politics, along the lines of “they are all the same”, “it is not worth getting involved”, “all politicians are, blah, blah blah”. The self exclusion from the system is really sad, and while not the majority of the comments, certainly too common.

3.  How do you plan to address these issues?
I try to be available as much as I can to listen to concerns and to engage in any way, so that the generalisations can be shaken. As a party, the ALP is working to develop strong policies on the issues. We need to engage (I wish I could find another word, as this is beginning to irritate me). Formal structures work for some, so youth forums, work experience programs in the party, school visits, can be useful to hear the issues, and respond. I think it is so important to give respect and not to be glib or token in response.

4.  How do you engage with young people to find out what issues matter to them?
As above

5.  What did you care about when you were a young voter?
I was a young voter in Bjelke Petersen Queensland, so I was interested in social justice, freedom of speech, and aboriginal equity issues.

While I was not a student activist, I was fairly shy and retiring, I did listen to the debates, and the period focused my sense of justice.

6.  What is your opinion of young people in Australia?
I do not have an opinion of 'young people’; I try to work with people as I meet them. But, the people who are young today will necessarily be our future. I know that sounds blah, but it shows that nothing is static.

7.  How do you think our political system can better engage with younger voters?

We need to do better in the school system, so we do not lose people before they actually have a vote. Generally, the education about the political system is not effective. Naturally there are some great programs, usually reliant on individual interested and interesting teachers. Where young people understand the value and legacy of the democratic process, there is a greater chance that they will be better engaged.

8.  What are the key long-term challenges facing Australia?
We have identified six key issues which challenge our country

• Education: Opportunity, funding, expectation, and life long access
• Health: Especially fixing the hospital system across the country, and naturally picking up the identified gaps for indigenous health.
• Climate Change: Decisive action is needed at all levels, individual, as well as governments.
• Workplace: Balance and fairness.
• National Security: In a world where fear has impacted on all ages, we need to feel secure.
• A Strong Economy: One that delivers for working families, this economy must allow compassion in policies. 

Immediately…a change in government. Long term, true reconciliation with the traditional owners of our country, and a stronger cooperation into the future

10. Describe a time when your political opinion was challenged or changed.
I suppose the most personal was during the RU486 (abortion pill) debate. Certainly the decision to be involved in a cross party private members bill and conscience votes was tough, but deeply important. Sometimes, there is no right time to bring on a debate and the importance of the issue and the opportunities of the system need to be assessed. I had great support from my party and from my friends, but it was an 'interesting' experience.

11.  What’s your favourite thing about your electorate?
I value the opportunity of the Senate to represent the whole state, so it is a challenge, and a joy!