My name is Marisa Paterson, and I am your strong, committed, accessible Member for Murrumbidgee in the ACT Legislative Assembly. I was elected in the October 2020 ACT election. Prior to being elected, I worked as a leading social policy researcher at the Australian National University and was the Director of the Centre for Gambling Research.
I have proudly called the Murrumbidgee electorate my home for nearly 20 years. I am a mum of three kids, and I want to make sure that our children have the opportunity to grow up in a safe and thriving community. I strongly value evidence-based decision-making to tackle the complex problems that our community currently faces, to ensure Canberra is the best place to live.
As your strong voice in the Assembly over the past four years, I have been advocating to:
• Create a safer community for all by addressing violence against women and dangerous driving in the community.
• Support healthcare workers and advocate for investment in the Canberra Hospital and local Walk-In Centres.
• Build for the future with major projects like the Light Rail to Woden and the CIT Woden Precinct.
• Protect our local environment, preserving our bush and green spaces, as well as protecting our native animals.
• Address gambling harm.
• Invest in our local shops and playgrounds.
I acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land, the Ngunnawal people, and pay my respect to their Elders past, present and emerging.