After being elected to the ACT Legislative Assembly upon self-government in 1989, I served in the Kaine and Carnell Liberal Governments before being chosen to lead the ACT as Chief Minister in October 2000. In 2003, I was chosen to fill the Senate vacancy left by retiring Senator, Margaret Reid, which I successfully contested at the 2004 Federal election.
Since 2004, I have achieved much for Canberra, including securing an upgrade to the ABC FM radio reception in the Tuggeranong Valley, winning an extra $16.5 million in funding for the Australian National University, protecting jobs at ScreenSound Australia and championing the funding of a new National Portrait Gallery.
But there is always more to do, and I am seeking re-election to fight for continued strong Federal investment in Canberra - in our national institutions, in community activities and particularly in the Australian Public Service. My mission is to stand up for Canberra and I will challenge Labor at every turn over its plans to cut public service agencies, which will gut our city’s economy.