I am profoundly honoured to have been elected to represent people in Melbourne in the Federal Parliament, not just as the first woman to represent this electorate, but as someone who lives, breathes and belongs to our remarkable city.
My love for our city and the inner suburbs runs deep.
Melbourne is a city of ideas, of resistance, of reinvention and of deep, enduring care. It's where I found my voice. It's where I learned to fight for what matters. It's where I fell in love, built a home and made friends who feel like family. Melbourne raised me, shaped me and showed me how powerful community can be.
Before embarking on a political career, I waited on tables, crunched numbers in banks, owned small-businesses and rolled up my sleeves in the charity sector - always working, always learning.
I've helped to raise money for social and affordable housing, and I've given free nappies to families in crisis. For ten years I have been a foster carer, opening my home and my heart to many children over the years.
I believe in an Australia where every person has a safe and secure home, education is free, health care is universal and no-one is left behind - an Australia where every child, no matter the postcode, can live a full, free and fantastic life.
I will work hard every day to be the best MP I can be, because representing Melbourne is one of the greatest honours of my life. I look forward to hearing from people all over Melbourne and doing what I can to help you.
