Like so many of us, I chose to live in Canberra. I first came here in 1982 to study at the Australian National University and I came back for good in 1990 to a job with the Attorney General’s Department. I joined
the public service because I wanted to contribute to improving people’s lives. Then, as now, I believe public service can make a difference in large and small ways. I worked in several agencies before striking out on my own 10 years ago, setting up a small business developing and implementing communication plans for clients in the public and private sector.

Along the way, I got deeply involved in our community. I care about the health and wellbeing of the people of Canberra, which is why I’m a volunteer on Our Wellness and Gift of Life.

I care about the cultural life of the people of Canberra, which is why I organised funding for free theatre tickets for those who could not afford to go, when I was a director on the Cultural Facilities Corporation.

Running my own business has taught me the importance of quickly getting across new issues and delivering results. I’ve also learnt to manage risk and the fear that people won’t pay and how to work with financial statements and tax and superannuation systems.

I currently tutor and mentor students at the University of Canberra. I am married to Chris Uhlmann. We have been married for 13 years and one of the keys to our success is that we relish a good debate. My Mum and two sisters live in Melbourne. Meg is a wine maker and Amy is a neurologist – which makes for interesting discussions around the dinner table – and good wine!

My great-grandmother and grandmother spent their lives as domestics and when my father separated from my mother my own prospects at the age of 11 didn’t look great. But I had access to a world class public school and tertiary education system. I know I have the Labor Party to thank for that, which is why it’s been part of my life for the last 27 years. My education has allowed me to follow my goals and opened pathways that should be available to everyone.

I’m looking forward to working with party members at street stalls and community events and through door knocking, to ensure we re-elect our federal Labor government.