Profile

Jennifer is a La Trobe Law graduate and State Member for Melbourne (ALP). Her qualification, coupled with her determination to influence, make and implement policy has propelled Jennifer's career in politics.

She came to the law after a five year career in teaching. On graduation Jennifer joined Holding Redlich as an articled clerk and became a senior associate in the Employment and Industrial Relations Group. While working as a lawyer, Jennifer was active in Victorian Women Lawyers (VWL) and was VWL convenor in 2009.

In 2008 Jennifer was elected as a councillor at the City of Melbourne where, as Chair of the People and Creative City Committee, she held the portfolio areas of arts and culture and community services. Jennifer was elected the State Member for Melbourne in a by-election in July 2012.

How would you describe the path you have taken to get you to where you are today?

I have always taken on roles or positions that I thought would be interesting or challenging, or both. When I was a secondary school English teacher I loved the interaction with students and I really treasure the time I spent with them discussing, arguing and reflecting on a book or a film.

I decided to study law, not because I didn’t enjoy teaching, but because I became fascinated by work I was doing as a union representative on a school committee. The committee was tasked with implementing a workplace agreement at a school level and I wanted the skills to not only be able to understand the agreement, but to also argue my point of view.

When I was a lawyer, my practice was in employment and industrial relations. I was attracted to the area because the law was interesting (and ever changing) and because work is such an important part of people’s lives that if you can help a client solve a problem or reach an outcome with their work it usually makes a big difference to the rest of their life. These work experiences, and my education, made me keen to contribute in a much broader realm and that’s when I became keen to influence, make and implement policy.

Do you have a personal philosophy that you bring to your work?

I find motivation and energy by making sure that the work I do is not just a job, but something that I believe will make a positive difference to people’s lives.

I also think it is important to take opportunities when they come along because things don’t always come along at the right time. The Melbourne by-election was called at a time when I had just returned to the law after a period of maternity leave. It was not how I had planned my return to work but it was an opportunity that may not have presented itself again, so I decided to have a go.

What has been your greatest career highlight

Being elected to parliament last year was a very public highlight. It brought together and drew on many skills that I had developed over the years. When I reflect on my career to date, the achievements I treasure most are when I have been able to do something to help a student or a client or a constituent.

In what ways has la Trobe encouraged you to make a difference?

For me, there were two great aspects to La Trobe – the students and the teachers. The students were diverse and interesting and brought to classes a breadth of life experiences. The teachers embraced that diversity, encouraging us to be thoughtful, creative and interested in the world around us while also developing the technical skills needed to practice law.

Do you have any sage advice for those starting out in their careers?

Work hard so you create opportunities and don’t be afraid to take risks.

Where to from here?

In many ways I am just starting out, I have only been in parliament for just over six months. I am working hard at getting to know my electorate, to ensure that I am able to deliver on policies that people in Melbourne want. I also hope to be able to be part of a Victorian Labor Government and I am working to make sure that happens as soon as possible!

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