Like many of us, I was born to a migrant parent – my father emigrated from Italy. I grew up in Hoppers Crossing, Flemington and Coburg; studied fashion and business at RMIT, and community development at Victoria University.
I’ve spent my professional life advocating for working women, equal pay, and action on domestic violence. I began my involvement with the Australian Services Union when I was elected as a workplace delegate in the community sector, and later became Secretary. During my time at the union, I led the Equal Pay Campaign, which won pay rises of 23-45% for the predominantly female social and community services workforce. We also won the world’s first family and domestic violence leave entitlements at the Surf Coast Shire – an entitlement which is now available to all Australian workers through the National Employment Standards.
I’m passionate about women’s economic security and the environment. Prior to being appointed as a Senator, I served as Chair of Vision Super and Trust for Nature, and on the boards of HESTA, the Super Members Council of Australia and the Portable Long Service Leave Authority.
I’m a long-suffering supporter of the North Melbourne Kangaroos, and love a park run – if you know of a good one, let me know! I live in Melbourne with my husband Luke, who’s a secondary school teacher, and my two sons.
