Celia Hammond: Broadening perspectives
“After spending two decades in higher education, I knew that I wanted to continue to serve others.”
Almost 100 years ago, Edith Cowan became the first woman elected to an Australian parliament, in March 1921.
In Her Seat is asking as many currently serving female politicians as we can how they view gender equality, politics and their impact.
This is a non-partisan project that is soliciting contributions from women in all parties, or none at all, in every parliament.
Celia Hammond is the Member for Curtin, in the Federal Parliament from Western Australia.
Elected in 2019, she has been in parliament for a year.
A lawyer and legal academic before entering parliament, Celia is one of the few people in politics that has run a large and complex organisation. As the Vice Chancellor of the University of Notre Dame Australia for 11 years, she saw education policy up close and how it interacts with students and institutions.
Born in regional Western Australia, she moved to the electorate as a child and hasn't moved away since.
As you will read, her commitment to service and the community is at the front of her mind.
What does gender equality mean to you?
My views on gender equality are embedded within this statement in my First Speech to Parliament:
“I want all Australians to have equality of opportunity and strong encouragement and support, so that everyone has the opportunity to reach their potential as individuals, to make their own decisions about life and to take personal responsibility for their lives so that they can lead their best lives and contribute to the communities in which they live, and to society more generally.”
Which female politicians have inspired/encouraged you?
I am inspired by female politicians who are true to themselves and simultaneously respect and uphold the right of others to be true to themselves, irrespective of their political beliefs or parties and whether I agree with what they have done or said.
The traits, behaviours and actions that I admire and respect in anybody include: integrity; conviction — with a capacity to listen and compromise where appropriate; intellect; respect for others and an openness to engage; determination and sheer hard-work; humour (including the capacity to laugh at yourself); empathy and kindness.
I am in absolute awe of all the early pioneering female politicians in the twentieth century. They all did it against odds that people of my generation have never experienced.
What inspired you to serve your community?
My parents, through their example, encouraged me and my sisters to find our own passions, our own strengths, to strive to fulfil our potential and live our own best lives — while always being open to others and committed to serving others.
My parents example of service to others was a guiding star — which has indelibly shaped all of us.
After spending two decades in higher education, I knew that I wanted to continue to serve others — and to do so using the skills and experience I had built up during my (very fortunate) life.
Having a lifelong interest in law, education and policy more generally coupled with a deep passion and commitment to providing opportunities for people to recognise and realise their own potential.
I was very lucky that the opportunity arose for me to step up and seek to serve the people and the community in which I have lived over 80% of my life.
What are the most important contributions you are making in Parliament?
With only one year under my belt, it is difficult to assess.
I think that bringing my ‘non-political’ background and experience in law, education, management and as an employer and a mother — to how I approach all aspects of the role (consideration of policy, legislation, committee work, electorate work) — is helping to shape and broaden the perspective I bring and contributions I make.
What is next for gender equality in politics?
Ideally, we get to a point in time when gender equality in politics is a given and the norm — and is no longer a subject of debate or discussion.
In Her Seat interviews can be accessed here
