Vic: Youngest ever Democrat on Senate ticket

AAP General News (Australia)
04-08-2004
Vic: Youngest ever Democrat on Senate ticket

By Bianca Wordley

MELBOURNE, April 8 AAP - Jess Healy's credentials list school captain and part time
publicity assistant.

But if the Australian Democrats win another Senate seat in Victoria she will become
the youngest person ever elected to federal parliament, according to the party.

The 19-year-old would enter the parliament at the age of 20, if elected - a fate which
she herself is not daunted by.

"We have a voice, we care about issues, there's a lot often said about young people
and their problems and I think it's time we have young people in the parliament who can
actually voice those concerns," she told reporters in Melbourne today.

"I think if you look at the Australian population there's a real diversity there that
isn't reflected in the parliament and I think it's time that we do have a more diverse
representation there."

Ms Healy said she was committed to a range of issues such as indigenous people, university
fees, homelessness, detention centres and the environment.

"I look forward to focusing on social justice, in part on the people that the Howard
government has forgotten," she said.

"I think the Senate needs more vision, I think it needs more diversity, it needs a
bit more heart and soul."

Democrats Leader Senator Andrew Bartlett said he was pleased to have her as part of
the party team to contest the next election.

"I very much recommend her to the people of Victoria."

Deputy leader Senator Lyn Allison said Ms Healy would do a "fantastic job".

"I think she will bring a very important and different perspective to the parliament
and will have fresh insight into a whole range of areas not least of which will be social
justice," she said.

AAP bw/gfr/drp/jlw

KEYWORD: DEMOCRATS VIC (PIX AVAILABLE)

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