Episode 020 - Ms Rebekha Sharkie MP

In this episode, we talk to Ms Rebekha Sharkie MP, Federal Member for Mayo, about engaging the Australian voters in the political discourse. Topics covered include: - What inspires people to run for politics - What a successful campaign looks like - The need for political transparency, especially in transparency around political donations - What it means to be a member of the cross bench in the Lower House - The challenges facing South Australians, particularly Mayo constituents - Political engagement with young people - The need for access to affordable healthcare - The importance of local employment and its impact on community - The need to protect our natural environment - How to support politicians in their campaigns for their constituents - How social media can be used to engage people in politics About Ms Sharkie: Rebekha Sharkie believes there is no greater honour than representing the people of Mayo in the Federal Parliament. Rebekha has lived in the Mayo region for over 20 years and was honoured to be elected at the 2016 Federal Election and the 2018 Mayo by-election. She is a passionate student of history and loves spending time out and about (particularly fishing!) in the beautiful electorate of Mayo with her husband Nathan and her three children. Rebekha loves the area and is so proud of the resilience and sense of community. She is excited about the opportunity to make Mayo matter and be an advocate on the national stage. Her journey into politics was not straightforward. She began in conveyancing and office management, juggling hours with her responsibilities as a mum. She later worked in political offices where she saw a need for greater community engagement in national decision-making. After years of involvement in school, sports and other community organisations, Rebekha came to believe the electorate of Mayo was not being actively represented. She decided to put her name forward for the Nick Xenophon Team (now Centre Alliance) as the candidate for Mayo so the communities across the Adelaide Hills, Fleurieu and Kangaroo Island regions would have someone who would listen and act for them – not for big business or union donors. Rebekha is an advocate for local industries, protecting farming land, improving local health services and addressing youth unemployment. She wants to hear her constituents’ stories, work alongside voters and be their voice. “Together, we can make Mayo matter.”