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 Penny Sharpe
(ALP Parliamentarian)
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PENNY SHARPE
EMAIL:
penny.sharpe@parliament.nsw.gov.au
WEB SITE:
http://www.pennysharpe.com/
Education & Work
I was born in Canberra where I attended public schools. At 19 I moved to Sydney to study Food Technology at UNSW. Fuelled by the desire to take action on issues that I felt passionate about, I joined the Labor Party and became active in student organisations campaigning for access to education, women's rights and the environment.
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During this time I worked as a waitress, shop assistant and music teacher.
After a year in Melbourne as the President of the National Union of Students, I developed training materials for workers in the public transport industry and then worked in vocational education and training assisting local communities, school and businesses to form partnerships so young people could gain real workplace experiences while still at school.
Prior to being elected to parliament in October 2005, I worked as a policy advisor to a state minister in the areas of youth, juvenile justice, drug & alcohol policy, community development & support, social justice, homelessness, domestic & family violence and vocational education & training.
Community & Labor Party Activity
I am currently a councillor on Marrickville Council. I want Marrickville Council to provide excellent services, be responsive to residents, implement sustainable practices and be committed to social justice for all who live and work in Marrickville.
I have been a foster carer for young homeless women aged 15 - 17. I have been on the management committees of several childcare centres and a neighbourhood centre.
In 2000 I was part of a team of four women who coedited a book called Party Girls - Labor Women Now. In the Labor Party I have held a variety of positions in local branches; been a delegate to state and national conferences, co-convened women's networks and coordinated policy development.
Personal
My policy interests are education, human rights, housing, access to maternity services, people focussed urban planning & development and using technology to improve democracy.
I live with my partner and two children in Sydney's inner west.
In my spare time I read crime fiction, cook for friends and family, go fishing and try to complete any sudoku I come across.
Duty electorates
The Labor Party appoints members of the Upper House to electorates not held by the Labor Party.
Duty MLC’s:
The key contact between the government and local constituents
Assist Ministers in announcing government initiatives and attending local events in that electorate
Support people who believe they are not getting service or assistance from their local member
I am currently the Duty MLC for the state electorates of Bega, Willoughby and Davidson.
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