Episode 029 - Dr Fiona Martin MP

In this episode, we talk to Dr Fiona Martin MP, Member for Reid in New South Wales about engaging the Australian voters in the political discourse. Topics covered include: - The mental health impact of 2020, especially around the bushfires - The biggest issues facing the people in Reid - How youth advocacy can set you up to become engaged in politics - How to get more women involved in politics - The need to repair democratic trust - How to communicate with constituents - The importance of committee work - Relationships with state and local politicians - The challenge of coming into politics from a non-political background - The difficulty in juggling family while in Parliament - Combatting racism in the electorate of Reid - Interacting with young people around their biggest concerns - The work around recycling in Parliament House - What it means to write a representation and send it to the appropriate person About Dr Martin: Fiona is a mum, psychologist and small businesswoman, who has spent her life working to better the lives of people in the community. Fiona grew up in Reid and went to school locally, first at Santa Sabina College and then Rosebank College. Growing up, she spent most of her time in Five Dock and her first job while at university was at Drummoyne’s Birkenhead Point Shopping Centre.

Fiona graduated from the University of Sydney and undertook specialised training at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine. In 2006, Fiona founded her own psychology practice, which would eventually develop into the Sydney Psychology Centre.

Her background as a small business owner and an allied health professional has allowed her to see first-hand the difference that a strong economy makes to the lives of everyone in our community. In 2007, Fiona completed her Ph.D., which focused on improving the social functioning of young people with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

As an expert in her field, Fiona has been a consultant for a wide variety of organisations including Only About Children and SafeWork NSW and is a special adviser for Little Blue Dinosaur. She has also been recently appointed as an Ambassador Expert by Life Education. Fiona is a mum of four beautiful children. She and her husband Nicolai love to be active with the kids, spending weekends enjoying picnics at Cabarita Park or doing Drummoyne’s Bay Run as a family. In 2019, Fiona decided that she wanted to give back to the community she grew up in and loves.

Fiona was elected the first female Federal Member for Reid and has been working hard since to fight for the issues that matter to the people of Reid. Fiona is passionate about supporting people’s aspirations and ensuring that everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed, no matter where they come from and what their story is.

She will work hard to back local small business, create more jobs and support the infrastructure and essential services that our community needs.