My Values
Growing up, my family instilled in me the values of hard work and compassion.
I, along with my younger sister Jacinta and younger brother Jason, were born in Hobart. Our father was a painter with the Education Department, our mother a teller with the ANZ Bank. We weren’t well off but I never felt poor – our uniforms were always ironed, we made friends with the neighbourhood kids, and if we wanted to get somewhere, we walked or cycled.
My dad finished school after year ten, but he - put a high value on our public education system. He urged me to stick with school, even though I struggled at times. It’s because of him, and the encouragement of some great educators that I was able to complete year twelve and later, onto university.
Every child, no matter where they live, no matter their background, should have access to a world class education system.
When I was 14, my father was offered an opportunity to work in a small gold mine in central Queensland.
We packed the Falcon and drove ourselves to our new life.
Working in the mine became my first job. After finishing school each day I would ride my horse to the mine site and drive trucks and move equipment until sunset.
It was hot, dirty and hard work but I loved it.
My sister and father were both murdered suddenly, as a result of domestic and family violence.
At the time we had no idea what coercive control was, how to predict it or how to stop it. I became involved in Queensland’s criminal justice system, identifying in particular the gaps where it could provide better support, agency and voice to victims of crime.
I changed careers, and took on a role with the Queensland Homicide Victims’ Support Group. Eventually I was offered the position as Chief Executive Officer – making me the youngest and the first victim CEO in the history of the organisation.
We developed Queensland’s first legislation dedicated to victims rights and services, contributed towards reform in youth justice, mental health, weapons and domestic violence.
Alongside victims, I developed the anti violence One Punch Can Kill community campaign.
For this work I was recognised as the Young Australian of the Year.
I spent the next 12 months traveling the country speaking with communities about the impact of crime, and with experts in criminal justice, detention, and trauma about how to drive down crime and keep people safe.
Becoming a politician is never something I thought I would do.
When Kate Jones asked me to replace her as your local representative, I decided to run because I wanted to be an advocate for our community, a voice for those without one, and have the ability to make change within government.
I want what happened to me and my family to make communities like ours safer. I am proud of the work we have done together.
My values and my story drive what I do every day as your local representative
Protecting our environment
I pushed hard for ambitious emissions reductions and strong environmental protections for the Channel Country.
Having travelled throughout Queensland, I know that we need to protect our environment.
Support for our local clubs, schools, and small businesses.
Our investment into our communty have delivered more classrooms for our local schools and better facilities for our local sporting clubs.
These places bring our community together and I’ll always back them.
Fighting for women’s rights
Together we legislated a woman’s right to choose, expanded women’s healthcare, and criminalised coercive control.
There’s more work to be done and I will use my experience to make the change we need.
Justice that works for everyone
Everyone deserves a home
Local community is critical
MY
KEY
VALUES
Want to join Team Jonty?