I grew up in the Riverland, with the mighty Murray River as my back yard. Living in small country towns taught me the value and importance of protecting our environment but also how important and rewarding it is to get involved in and support community, which is an approach that has shaped both my career and my motivation to serve others.
Prior to being elected to the 48th Parliament as the Member for Sturt I spent twenty years working around the world as a lawyer, including in the Middle East, Asia, the East Coast of Australia, and Adelaide. I also developed a deep understanding of and respect for Australia’s defence industry, having spent over half a decade working for key Australian defence companies. The Osborne Shipyard in Adelaide’s north, which is the heartbeat of Australia’s defence capability, will always hold a special place for me.
My pre-politics roles also included working as a volunteer board member of the Royal Flying Doctor Service (SA/NT), one of the most vital Australian organisations providing healthcare and are-medial retrieval services to rural and remote communities. I also had the privilege of serving as an Elected Councillor on the Norwood Payneham and St Peters Council, which only strengthened my belief that transparent and accountable government is critical and matters.
In Canberra, I serve on several committees. I am Deputy Chair of the Legal and International Committee and serve as a member of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade, the Joint Standing Committee on Treaties, the Appropriations and Administration Committee and the Social Policy and Legal Affairs Committee. I am also the Co-Chair of Parliamentary Friends of the Royal Flying Doctor Service, and Co-Chair of Parliamentary Friends of Aviation.
In my personal time I like to hang out with my family, pets, and friends. Getting close to nature helps me maintain my mental health, and I try to never miss my daily morning run around the leafy green streets, parks, and reserves of Sturt.
“Whether you are a trades person in the defence sector or working in the caregiving, education, health or professional services sectors, you deserve an opportunity to contribute to your community and make a life for you and your family.”
