Since becoming Senator for Tasmania in 2010, I have worked every day to put our region first.
I have loved being a Senator for Tasmania, and I want to increase my focus on our region. That’s why, at the next Federal election, I will nominate to be the Federal Member for Braddon.
The North West, West Coast and King Island deserve an energetic, experienced and hardworking representative. That’s what I will be as your voice in the House of Representatives in Canberra.
What happens here in Braddon is personal for me. I was born and raised in the North West. My husband Graham and I raised our children in our cottage in Gawler, where we have lived for the last 45 years. The North West, West Coast, and King Island are bursting with potential, especially in resources, agriculture, manufacturing and renewables. It’s also fair to say that, in the past, we have too often missed out.
The Federal Labor Government’s positive policies are now making a big difference.
Under Labor, we are earning more and keeping more of what we earn. Labor has backed three consecutive annual pay increases, and the minimum wage has increased by $143 a week, or $7,451 a year. Labor has also delivered a tax cut for every taxpayer – in Braddon, this means around 45,000 people are paying an average of $1300 less in tax each year.
We are delivering better health care. The Devonport Urgent Care Clinic has delivered over 13,000 free doctor’s appointments, and residents in Braddon have saved nearly $6 million on over 700,000 cheaper prescription medicines.
Federal Labor is working constructively with the Tasmanian Government to build more homes, including a minimum 1,200 homes for Tasmanians through Housing Australia.
Labor’s fee-free TAFE is a game changer for young people and for those who are re-training or upskilling for a career change. Our historic $153.5 million agreement with the Tasmanian Government will make sure public schools are fully and fairly funded, so Tasmanian students get the best out of their school years.
For the 7,800 people in Braddon with a student debt, under a re-elected Labor Government, there will be a 20% reduction in every HELP or student loan debt. Labor policies make a positive difference in our lives – and I look forward to standing up for our region at the next election. Until then, I will continue as a Senator for Tasmania, making sure that you have a bold voice in Canberra.