2008 ACT Election

Canberra's future is Green

The ACT Greens are proud to formally announce its team of lead candidates for the October Assembly election:

  • Ginninderra: Meredith Hunter, Director of the ACT Youth Coalition

I was born, raised and educated in Canberra and love living here with my partner and three children, and I am your Greens candidate in the electorate of Ginninderra. I believe that I have a lot to offer the electorate of Ginninderra, and all citizens of the ACT. Throughout my life I have been a strong advocate on social justice issues and have worked in community organisations in Canberra for twenty years. I have extensive experience raising awareness and promoting issues of social justice in the public arena. I am also a skilled and experienced advocate, having served on a variety of committees and task forces. I have worked to ensure that the interests and rights of the disadvantaged and vulnerable are taken into account, and I would continue to do this as your MLA. My work has given me a sound understanding of the importance of the community sector and the breadth of services delivered by small self-help groups through to larger community services. I am currently the director of the Youth Coalition of the ACT. As a mother of three, I understand the importance of having an excellent public education system as well as the provision and upkeep of playgrounds and sporting venues. I have a deep appreciation of the unique urban/bush environment that we live in, the clean air and the bush corridors that provide important recreation places for many Canberrans. As a Greens candidate I am keen to promote responsible and sustainable approaches to transport, such as improved public transport, walking and cycling paths, and light rail. The ACT Greens are committed to a strong, optimistic, long-term vision for Canberra, and I would be proud to be your Greens member for the electorate of Ginninderra. I look forward to meeting and listening to your needs and aspirations, and serving you and our community.

  • Molonglo: Shane Rattenbury, former Political and Business Director of Greenpeace International

Canberra is my home, having lived here for more than 20 years. Recently I have spent time living and working in Asia and Europe. I came home convinced that Canberra is not only a great place to live, but that it can be even better. With Greens in the Assembly we can build a city with 21st century plans and a 21st century outlook. Having worked for Greenpeace for the last 10 years, I know that it is possible to make the world a better place. After gaining degrees in Economics and Law (Honours) at ANU and working for the Commonwealth Industry Department, I joined Greenpeace Australia in 1998, where I was able to campaign on local issues like preventing toxic emissions at the Totalcare Incinerator in Mitchell. In 2005, as Head of Greenpeace's global oceans campaign, I led an expedition of two Greenpeace ships to Antarctica to confront the Japanese whaling fleet. We saved 82 whales by putting ourselves between the whales and the harpoons, and forced the whalers to return home with a reduced catch. In December 2007, as International Political Director, I led the Greenpeace delegation at the vital climate change negotiations in Bali, which successfully started the process for the next phase of the Kyoto Protocol.

I want Canberra to be a city that my children and their friends thank us for. That means an education system that sets up their future and feeds their potential; a health system that is first preventative, then flexible and responsive; employment and industry that is modern, interesting and vibrant; and a city that has a minimal impact on the environment and retains its natural beauty. I also know it's important to enjoy life and after playing football for many years as a junior, my sporting passion is now triathlon. I have represented Australia at five World Championships, including the Hawaii Ironman. In addition I am a keen photographer, a blogger, and enjoy music and concerts.

  • Brindabella: Amanda Bresnan, Acting Director Policy & Projects, Mental Health Council of Australia

I am standing with the ACT Greens because of their commitment to pursuing long-term, positive solutions for the environment, economy and local community. If elected, I would be committed to working with you, to create a more sustainable future for the people of Brindabella. I am a passionate advocate for social justice, with a particular interest in the provision of general and mental health services. Since moving to Canberra over 5 years ago, I have been active in local women's, refugee, and human rights groups, and I am a long term regular volunteer with the Canberra RSPCA. I graduated from Griffith University in Brisbane with an honours degree in environmental science, and I currently hold the role of Acting director of Policy and Projects with the Mental Health Council of Australia.