I am honoured to be selected by the Opposition Leader, Anthony Albanese, to serve as Shadow Assistant Minister for Education and Training. I look forward to working with the Shadow Minister for Education and Training, Tanya Plibersek.

I am particularly excited about working with Tanya in the education sphere. I share with Tanya a passion for every Australian child to have access to a world-class education and the economic benefits that flow from this. I was a teacher for eleven years in public and catholic schools in regional Queensland and suburban Brisbane. With two children at school, I know first-hand how important education is for all parents. I want every child to have the best education, for their future and for the future of Australia.

I have worked closely with local schools in Moreton as their federal representative for many years and I look forward to listening to principals, staff and school communities across Australia about their concerns and how best to meet the needs of their students. I look forward to working with the university sector, including continuing my work with Griffith University in Moreton.

I thank the Leader of the Opposition, Anthony Albanese, for this important leadership opportunity.