GAI BRODTMANN stepping down

Like many Canberrans, I am sorry to hear that Gai Brodtmann is stepping down from federal parliament.

Canberra has no more passionate champion than Gai. Like her predecessor, Annette Ellis, she has been an active presence in the community, working with a bevy of community groups across the electorate.

 

Through her Canberra Legends Program, Gai has set the record for 90 second statements – bringing national recognition to local champions.

 

As Shadow Assistant Minister for Cybersecurity and Defence, Gai has held the government to account on national security and defence procurement. She has also played a national role on issues of organ donation and chemical contamination on defence facilities, as well as initiating an urgent conversation in parliament and the community to increase awareness of and action on endometriosis.

 

Gai and I entered parliament together in 2010. I have valued her company and her counsel. I will miss her in the next parliament, but I know that she will continue to play a valued role in the Canberra community and on the national stage.

 

I wish Gai, her husband Chris, and her beloved ‘working class matriarchy’ all the best for the next phase.