Jeremy Hanson MLA

In this episode of Owl Chats, host Tia Priest-Willimott is joined by Jeremy Hanson MLA. Jeremy Hanson is the Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the ACT Legislative Assembly, Shadow Minister for Education and Higher Education, Early Childhood Education, Police, Veterans’ Affairs, and is a Liberal member for Murrumbidgee. Tia and Jeremy chat about what an average day looks like for an MLA, challenges he’s faced in his different careers, and the way he consumes media.Continue readingJeremy Hanson MLA

Young mum pioneers ACT’s first freestanding birth centre 

Canberra is set to have its first freestanding birth centre, thanks to the benevolent efforts of a young Canberra mum-of-three. Late last year, Abbie McMillan-Maher spearheaded the petition to establish a government-funded birth centre that would provide “a home-like environment allowing well Canberran women to give birth safely and supported by known midwives”. With over 500 signatures, Abbie’s petition was successfully tabled by Greens MLA Jo Clay in the ACT Legislative Assembly in February.Continue readingYoung mum pioneers ACT’s first freestanding birth centre 

Full-time politician, part-time TikToker: how Mark Parton is connecting with Canberra

When the world went into lockdown due to COVID-19, Mark Parton took it upon himself to find other ways to relay his messages and policies as the ACT election neared in 2020. Being a “doorknocker from hell”, Mark ventured into other communication channels including Instagram and TikTok to connect with those who support him but also people who are unaware of who he is and what he stands for.Continue readingFull-time politician, part-time TikToker: how Mark Parton is connecting with Canberra

Thy Kingdom Come, Thy Will Be … Done?

Since 1901, Parliamentary sittings have been opened with a reading of the Lord’s Prayer. Many view the prayer as a symbolic part of Australia’s history – one that provides ‘comfort and inspiration’ to those who choose to join, and is harmless to those who do not. Others argue that the shift in Australia’s religious identity, towards a dominantly non-Christian population, calls for a shift in our parliamentary practices.Continue readingThy Kingdom Come, Thy Will Be … Done?