I’m Marisa, your passionate local Member for Murrumbidgee in the ACT Legislative Assembly. I’ve lived here for over 20 years, and am proud to to raise my three children in this part of Canberra.
I know what matters to our community: safe neighbourhoods, strong and accessible health and emergency services, opportunities for the next generation, and investment in our local community.
As your representative, I’m committed to listening to our community, standing up for local issues and delivering practical solutions that make a real difference to people’s lives.
I’m proud to serve in the ACT Government as:
Minister for Health
Minister for Mental Health
Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services
Minister for Gaming Reform
I will continue to strongly advocate for our local community and drive reform across the ACT. I’m focused on delivering practical, tangible outcomes and building a safer, healthier and fairer Canberra for everyone.
Before entering politics in 2020, I was a social policy researcher at the Australian National University and Director of the Centre for Gambling Research. My background in research continues to shape my approach to public policy: listen to people, follow the evidence and turn good ideas into meaningful action.
Listen first.Good decisions start with understanding the people affected by them. I want residents to feel comfortable raising concerns, challenging ideas and sharing what matters to them.
Follow the evidence. Complex problems deserve more than easy answers. My research background has taught me the value of asking difficult questions, examining what works and being willing to improve our approach.
Focus on outcomes. Results matter more than announcements. I want to be able to explain what has changed, what progress has been made and what still needs work.
Bring people together. Lasting change takes collaboration. I believe in working with communities, frontline workers, experts and organisations to find practical solutions.
I'm a mum of three and a long-time member of the Murrumbidgee community. I understand that the decisions made in the Assembly ultimately affect real people, families and neighbourhoods.
I'm proud to represent this community, and I don't take that responsibility lightly.
Ps. Not sure if I’m your local member? If you live in the Molonglo Valley, Weston Creek, Woden Valley, Coree (including the village of Uriarra), Stromlo, or the Canberra Central suburbs of Deakin, Forrest, Red Hill and Yarralumla… then you’re with me!
Whether you have an idea for your suburb, a concern about a government service or a bigger issue you'd like to discuss, I'd love to hear from you.
