Fiona Martin: Passionate about democracy
“When a woman has economic independence, this helps her to overcome other areas of inequality that she may encounter in life.”
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.
Fiona Martin was elected to the Federal Parliament at the 2019 election as the Member for Reid, from New South Wales.
Armed with a PhD in psychology, she has taught at universities and ran her own psychology practice. As a psychologist, Fiona worked a lot in education and with children with developmental and behavioural difficulties and Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Now in parliament, she has thrown herself into working at the nexus of health and social policy, including on the reforms to the family law system.
Other interviews can be accessed here
What does gender equality mean to you?
You need to be the change you want to see.
For me, gender equality is about driving change for future generations of women. Creating a better world for our younger sisters, our daughters and nieces.
I believe education and financial independence is the gateway to gender equality.
Which female politicians have inspired or encouraged you?
I have always admired former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, the iconic Iron Lady. She inspired a form of leadership in the United Kingdom that had not been seen since Churchill — intelligent, courageous and ambitious in her vision for the country.
While many wanted to reduce her to just her gender, she never allowed this to hold her back.
On a more personal level, I look to the current Foreign Affairs Minister the Hon Marise Payne MP as an excellent female role model and friend.
I have known Marise for many years, since I first joined the Young Liberals, and she has been a mentor to me.
What inspired you to serve your community?
One of the reasons I put my hand up to volunteer as a candidate is because I feel passionate about democracy, and I believe more women need to be involved in policy and law-making roles in Australia.
Women need to be represented in all parliaments because women generally fight for the issues that specifically impact women. Whether it’s women’s health, childcare, domestic violence or equal pay.
Beyond this, I have always felt that it is an honour to serve your country in whatever means possible.
What are the most important contributions you are making in Parliament?
Prior to entering Parliament, I worked as a developmental and educational psychologist with a background in academic research.
One of my main priorities has been working to close the evidence-policy gap, and promoting a greater focus on mental health and suicide prevention.
I’m proud to be a part of a Government that has committed more funding for mental health services than any before it.
What is next for gender equality in politics?
For gender equality to succeed, women, including mothers, must have the means to participate fully in the workforce and all other aspects of life.
Policy reforms that allow for flexible employment and childcare will play a part in that.
When a woman has economic independence, this helps her to overcome other areas of inequality that she may encounter in life.
In Her Seat interviews can be accessed here
