About Christine

I have a long connection acting within and for the Pascoe Vale community. In addition to representing the electorate of Pascoe Vale as State Member – a role I have had since 1996 – I maintain a keen involvement with local community organisations, and local causes which are important to the community.

I am a member of the Moonee Ponds Creek Association, Friends of Merri Creek, Caroline Chisholm Pregnancy and Family Support Service life member, Pascoe Vale RSL (honorary member), Bicycle Victoria and the Moreland Bicycle Users Group.

After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts and Diploma of Education from La Trobe University, my first six years of work were spent in various roles at the Shop Distributive Association (as Research Officer, Organiser, Woman’s Officer and Head of the National Women’s Bureau). From 1981 until 1989 I worked as an emergency teacher and an adult migrant teacher. I then went on to work as an electorate officer.

My last role before entering State Parliament was as Manager of the Caroline Chisholm Society between 1992 and 1995. I joined the ALP in 1983 and have been a very active member on campaign and policy committees and at state conferences.

Currently I am Deputy Chair of the Victorian Scrutiny of Acts and Regulations Committee. I’ve previously chaired the Public Accounts and Estimates Committee. In the first Bracks Government, I held several ministerial portfolios in Community Services, Senior Victorians and Consumer Affairs.

Justice for all people within the community, at all stages of life, has been a strong focus of my advocacy in public life. My political work aims to foster the dignity of the human person, and I achieve this by promoting the needs of the people whom I serve. I have a passion for public policy and believe strongly in lifelong learning, having just completed  my Masters in Bioethics. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, bushwalking, cycling and am keenly interested in social issues, ethics & philosophy.