My motivation for wanting to start a political party is because of my grave concern for our future under the current Government and because we need more women in politics. 

I am greatly disturbed about the Howard Government’s IR laws, the treatment of asylum seekers, our involvement with US led attacks in Iraq and other places, and many Australians are still doing it tough despite our strong economy. 

As a politician I want to ensure that whatever Government is in control at a federal level, they develop policy that will lessen the gap between the wealthy and the working poor, and I want to ensure that the weakest and most vulnerable among us are always considered when policy is made.  

I am embarking on this journey because I believe too many of our politicians today are not doing the job they were elected to do. I look at so many of them with scepticism, even bewilderment. I wonder if any of them understand what my life, and that of my family and friends, is like.  These career politicians seem so far removed from my world – and yours. 

In Australia a person is most likely elected to federal parliament if they belong to a political party.  There are not many independent politicians and the few who are elected are usually well-known Australians.

For someone like me who is not well known and does not belong to a minor or major political party then becoming a politician is a very difficult thing. 

For the past four years I was a member of the Labor Party.  In 2004 I ran for the Queanbeyan Council on the ALP ticket and during the last 18 months I actively campaigned to become the candidate for the seat of Eden-Monaro, NSW. 

During my campaigning I spent a lot of time, effort and money visiting ALP Branches in the electorate to meet members, and I travelled many thousands of kilometres in the process. 

I was the only female pre-selection candidate contesting against three men.

Unfortunately for me, the pre-selection ballot was never held as the ALP imposed Mike Kelly (an ex-Army Colonel) as candidate for Eden-Monaro. 

My disappointment was many fold but particularly because the decision to impose a candidate took away an opportunity for a woman to be elected. 

We need more women in politics – women add a very important perspective to the political process and as we make up around half the population it is only fair that we have a more balanced representation.

After the pre-selection was cancelled I seriously considered my future with the ALP.  To now become a politician through the Labor Party I would have to move to another location, which means I would have to leave behind a well-paying job, a home and community I love, as well as my family and friends. 

Even if I moved I would have to go through another pre-selection process in the new location and there are no guarantees I would win.

After much consideration I have decided to leave the ALP and run for a NSW Senate seat in the upcoming federal election. 

I am not leaving the Labor Party with any bitterness.  In fact, I have much to be grateful for.  I met some wonderful people during my time with the ALP – people who care enough about the state of the world to get together on a regular basis to discuss policy ideas that are about benefiting people and communities.  These people inspired me and gave me hope for the future!

The way things are in Australia, the best chance I have to get elected is by creating my own political party and get it registered with the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) - by creating a political party and registering it, 'Hear Our Voice' can go above the line on the ballot paper (most people
in Australia vote above the line).

Starting my own political party gives me a greater chance of being elected than if I run as an independent.

If you would like to help get me elected and you think I am someone who would represent your interests and stand-up for your rights, please fill out the membership form attached to the registration page. 

The world is ruled by a few rich white men and they’re not doing a great job.  For change to happen we must begin to select politicians who are more interested in helping others than feeding their own ego and climbing the political ladder.  We must select politicians who are not going to be corrupted by the political process and who are not afraid to stand up for what is right, even if that goes against the Party line.  We need politicians who are committed to creating policies that help bridge the gap between the rich and the poor, and we need politicians who are dedicated to saving our environment for not only our sake but for future generations.

We can all make a difference.  By recycling, by being wise with our water use, by respecting the environment, by treating our employees fairly, by respecting our employers through earning a fair day’s pay, by looking out for our neighbours, by supporting policies which will help share the wealth, by helping others less fortunate through volunteer work, by being more tolerant to the cultures and religions of others, by not supporting cruelty to animals, and by voting for politicians who will always endeavour to do the right thing by you and your community.

To become a member you will need to fill the registration form out correctly and it must be signed.  Please mail your membership form back to me at:

Address:

        Hear Our Voice
        PO Box 1305
        QUEANBEYAN NSW 2620

Fax:

        (02) 6297 0134

Note: There is no membership fee, nor do you need to do anything as a member other than send your signed membership form back to me.  I know it is a bother having to mail your form but rest assured I appreciate your efforts!

Through collaboration, we can change our world into the sort of place we want to leave our children. 

Please help me by joining ‘Hear Our Voice’ and together we can make Australia a better place.

Donations:

If you would like to help with my campaign I would very much appreciate your support.  There are a variety of ways you can help, including:

   - financial support
   - policy ideas
   - publicity suggestions
   - passing the details of my website to your friends and family
   - encouraging your friends and family to join Hear Our Voice

Campaigning is very expensive and I would be very grateful to anyone who is able to provide financial support, whether great or small, to help with promotional activities.

If you would like to make a donation please send your cheque to:

        Hear Our Voice
        PO Box 1305
        QUEANBEYAN NSW 2620 

In 1902 something extraordinary happened in Australia – we became the first nation in the world to give women the vote, and the right to stand for election to parliament.

What a victory for the suffragette movement in Australia, especially as it happened despite strong opposition at the time.

Although Australia lead the world in developing a democracy that was inclusive of women it took around 20 years before a woman was elected to state parliament and 41 years for a woman to enter federal parliament (this period was the longest period of any western country).

Australian women have had the vote for around 100 years but we do not have equal representation in parliament and we have little political power.

Some statistics …
- In Australia there are 226 members of parliament in both the Senate and the House of Representatives, of which 64 are female members - a percentage of around 28%.
- The Senate has 76 members, of which 27 are female – a percentage of around 35%.
- The House of Representatives has 150 members, of which 37 are female - a percentage of around 24%.
- In March 2000, the percentage of women in all state parliaments was 23%, and after the September 1999 local government elections in NSW the total number of women councilors was 26% - this is the same percentage of women councillors in Victoria following the March 2000 elections.
- According to the Weekend Australian dated 22 April 2000, during the previous year women made up 11% of directors on the boards of Australia's top 300 companies, but of the 300 companies only 47% had women directors.

Over the past three decades there has been an increase in the number of women entering all levels of government but there is a long way to go before equal representation is achieved.

To address this inequality some political parties have publicly announced they want to improve the imbalance of women candidates, but these declarations have done little to reduce the imbalance.

In Australia the reality is women have little control over policy that governs their social and economic well-being. Because of the imbalance of women in politics and the absence of them in senior positions in the private and public sectors, women have minor influence over the economy, environment, employment, social justice, welfare issues, war, foreign affairs and trade.

The solution is to make parliaments and decision making institutions more representative of women. This seems straightforward but it is difficult to achieve without a concerted effort by governments, political parties and the community.

In 2004 the quest to improve equality for women took a blow – it was the year the federal Government abolished the Office for the Status of Women the NSW Government abolished the Department for Women.

There are agencies in existence that are relevant to women but they usually sit within government departments, and they appear to have little influence.

It has been argued that women’s issues are now being rationalized as mainstream by governments, which means policies and programs apply equally to both genders. This is a backward step to a time when programs were implemented with no insight into community attitudes to sex and gender, and their effects.

Until we reform our political environment and until women have an equal representation in our parliaments, as well as the public and private sectors, Australian women will continue to be disadvantaged and our nation will suffer as a consequence.

Population Characteristics

In June 2003, the Australian population had reached a total of 19,881,500. The proportions of males and females are roughly equal with slightly more females overall (just over 50 per cent of the population).

Conclusion

As women make up just over half the population it is only fair they have equal representation in politics and in decision making roles.

The sort of society we should aim for is one that encourages women’s participation and potential in all areas, and women’s efforts and contributions should be recognized and valued.

For Australia to be a great country, we need to improve women’s access to parliament as well as to senior positions in both the public and private sectors.

As a society we need to ensure that women are given appropriate input into all the issues that affect their lives.

Each one of us can help change the way things are in Australia - by acknowledging and questio 

Hear Our Voice will work toward building an Australian society which values and nurtures every member of the community irrespective of their background and circumstances.

Hear Our Voice believes in a political system based on honesty and we will help build an Australia that truly respects equality and fairness across all aspects of society.

Hear Our Voice supports a political system that enables all members of society to participate in the political decision making process and policy direction at all levels of Government.

Hear Our Voice encourages all Australians to initiate positive change through the democratic process and we encourage individuals and interest groups to raise debate about issues of concern.

Hear Our Voice acknowledges we do not have all the answers, but we believe in keeping an open mind, exploring all options, consulting with stakeholders and engaging relevant expertise so the best outcomes are achieved for the community.

Hear Our Voice supports policies and initiatives that enhance Australia’s agricultural base, industrial infrastructure, skilled manufacturing base, energy and mining industries, education system, health and medical care, aged care industry and environmental protection programs.

Hear Our Voice believes Australia’s two-party political dominance does not truly represent the interests of all Australians. 

• Child Care
• Defence
• Disability
• Education
• Employment
• Energy
• Environment
• Family
• Gay and Lesbians
• GM Products
• Health
• Indigenous Australians
• Inequality
• Law and Justice
• Media Communications and I.T.
• Multiculturalism
• Policing
• Senior Australians and Ageing
• Women

Please see attached speeches and media releases for Hear Our Voice.
 

Media Release - Regulation of Banking Industry - 22 November 2007

Media Release - Jail - No Bail - 22 November 2007

Media Release - Poker Machines - Accountability - 17 November 2007

Media Release - Housing Affordability - 16 November 2007

Media Release - Hear Our Voice Takes on ABC for Bias - 12 November 2007

Media Release - Multicultural Australia - 1 November 2007

Media Release - Equality Under the Law - Nothing Less - 23 October 2007

Media Release - Festival of Light - 27 September 2007 

Media Release - Fact Sheet - Seniors Policy Launch - 25 September 2007

Media Release - Seniors Policy Launch - 25 September 2007 

Media Release - 500 in Five Weeks - 10 September 2007

Media Release - The Government Chooses Discrimination - 9 August 2007

Media Release - Marching for Equality - 5 August 2007

Media Release - Marching for Equality - 5 August 2007

Media Release - Just Pure Discrimination - 3 August 2007

Media Release - Women in Politics – Never! - 3 August 2007

Media Release - Hear Our Voice launched and ready for a fight - 1 August 2007

Speeches:

Speech - Seniors Policy Launch - Elaine Jackson - 25 September 2007

Speech - Seniors Policy Launch - Toni McLennan - 25 September 2007

Speech - Gay and Lesbian Equality Rally - 12 August 2007

Speech - Launch of Hear Our Voice - 1 August 2007