I’m Alicia Payne, the Federal Member for Canberra.

I grew up in Canberra and I’ve seen it grow and diversify. I love our unique and progressive city and couldn't think of a better place to raise my children.

Like most Canberrans, I believe we have an obligation to address disadvantage and solve the problems of inequality. I understand the importance of good public education, health care and a strong social safety net to ensure that all Canberrans have the opportunity to live healthy and fulfilled lives.

Also like most Canberrans, I believe that we must do more to protect the environment and want to see Australia taking the necessary action to protect our planet.

I want to see Australia looking to the future and ensuring our economy adapts and generates strong and reliable employment.  

I'm an economist and have pursued a career in social policy.  I've always seen these issues as key to achieving a fairer society and I want to contribute to this. I began as a researcher at NATSEM publishing on issues such as poverty and the impact of policy on families. I worked at Treasury, and understand first hand the importance of a properly-resourced public service to a well functioning democracy. Most recently I worked as part of the Federal Labor Opposition team as a senior policy adviser on social policy, fighting the Liberals’ cuts to our social safety net.

I’ve volunteered in the community sector for many years, with people facing the issues of unemployment, homelessness, addiction and isolation. I served on the Board of Belconnen Community Service, including as President for three years, working with people meeting a broad range of community needs including in disability support, mental health and early childhood education and care. I’ve spent a lot of time listening to Canberrans about the issues they face and the things that are important to them.

Through my work and community involvement, I have seen the real difference Labor Governments and progressive policy can make in people’s lives and i'm proud to be a part of an Albanese Government committed to this. I will always strive to be Canberra's voice for our community, and for fairness, in our Parliament.

I’d love to hear from you about the issues that are important to you.