If you could change just one thing about Australia what would it be?
The Coalition. I believe it is time that the Liberal Party and the National Party are brave enough to stand on their own platforms. Mr Morrison declares that he won’t power-share, and yet that is the basis of a Coalition. There’s too much infighting and compromising, and voters are left hearing scripted sound bites and disingenuous positioning at election time instead of what candidates truly believe in. The result would be a truer representation of ideas and values as honest power-sharing would bring the best legislation from governments.
What is the worst thing anyone has ever said to you?
I’m a teacher! There was one young lad who expressed most eloquently his dislike of maths and how he wasn’t going to do any maths for me. That was the worst language, but the most hurtful was when some parents at a Darwin primary school in 1987 told the principal that they didn’t want me teaching their children because I had only taught “Aborigines” while teaching in remote communities. I stood my ground and said that if I wasn’t good enough to teach their kids, then I definitely wasn’t good enough to teach First Nations kids out bush. I taught their delightful children and we ended up having a fantastic year.
What is the best thing that ever happened to you?
So many highs at different stages of my life. I would have to say my grandchildren, godchildren and my little one next door. They make me feel grounded and totally loved, which is special. The other best thing is travelling. Nothing beats jumping on an aeroplane for another country and having no set plans or itinerary.
Who do you see as the biggest threat to Australia?
Mr Morrison and the LNP. No question! Mr Morrison has been called out as a liar by the head of an influential country. He has disregarded the Pacific region leaders who looked to Australia to be an ally and act against climate change. He hides behind his hand-picked candidates, who say what he believes, but he’s too afraid to stand on his own two feet and say it because there will be voter backlash against his bigoted views. He talks about economic growth but forgets to say it is growth for big companies and corporations. The cost of living is the real indicator of economic growth and we are feeling economic shrinkage.
Which historical figure do you most admire and why?
Eleanor Roosevelt is a real hero for me. On the world stage with her work for the Declaration of Human Rights, nationally with her work with the Women’s Trade Union League and Congress of Working Women, and her writing a newspaper column “My Day” addressing equality and rights. Closer to home, currently Marcia Langton is someone I admire greatly. Her intellect and clarity around Australian issues is inspiring.
What would be your final meal?
I love eating and it would depend on where I was… I think I’ll go for crepes with lemon and sugar.
