When Elizabeth Lee moved to Canberra in 1998, she was full of enthusiasm and ambition. At 18 years of age, Elizabeth was commencing a Law degree and Bachelor of Asian Studies at the Australian National University. Little did she know just where that enthusiasm and ambition would soon lead her.

Fast forward 19 years and Elizabeth has represented almost every law council or committee, practiced law in both private and public sector environments, has been a gym instructor for over 15 years, and become an advocate for a host of local minority groups - lending her voice and profile to those in need of support.

Representing the Canberra Liberals, Ms Lee was voted into her local seat of Kurrajong at the 2016 October election. Since then, the passionate group fitness fanatic has quickly brought herself up to speed on life as a public figure and the finer points of politics.

Elizabeth has not taken a backward step since taking up office, doing her best to advocate for and promote the support of her electorate and the wider Canberra community. Frustrated by political point scoring getting in the way of positive policy and real change, Elizabeth harbours hopes of a common sense approach to governing. Regardless of which side of the political fence you are on, she believes that if there is an obvious solution that is best for the community, a bipartisan approach should be adopted.

“It has been a steep learning curve, coming to terms with the internal procedures of parliamentary process and coming to terms with the nature of politics,” said Ms Lee.

“I am privileged to be in a position to be able to advocate for and represent people that may not be in a position to do it for themselves and I take this duty very seriously.”

For Elizabeth, in her position as Shadow Minister for Disability, Shadow Minister for the Environment and local member for Kurrajong, her priorities are as follows:

1. Holding the government to account on integrity measures particularly on decisions around planning and land deals;
   
2. Holding the government to account on the rising cost of living, in particular the increases in household rates;
   
3. Ensuring that all Canberrans connected to the NDIS are getting the full support they need;
   
4. Doing everything she can to raise the profile of Canberra nationally and internationally as a city befitting of Australia’s capital whilst owning, at its heart, the ‘bush capital’.
   

Elizabeth spoke in Parliament to address the wasted time on debating Commonwealth issues rather than the real issues facing Canberrans and objected to being lectured to by the opposition in regard to diversity, inclusivity and racism.

Adjournment Speech (29 March 2017)

Lifestyle

Away from the spotlight, Elizabeth remains active and teaches Sh’Bam and Body Balance at Fernwood Gungahlin once a week. She regularly enjoys getting out to the Raiders and Brumbies matches and will watch almost any live event in Canberra; be it sports, music, comedy or drama, that she can physically get to. 

Some of her favourite Canberra spots include 'OTIS Dining Hall’ (Jardine Street, Kingston), ‘Molly’ cocktail bar (Hobart Place, Civic), the Australian War Memorial, the National Library and of course, (Commonwealth) Parliament House. To relax, Elizabeth says she can’t go past a bit of pampering at 'The Salon @ Kylie’s Beauty’ (Bunda Street, Civic), "where the service is second to none" or the Canberra Day Spa (at the Waldorf in the city).

For those new to Canberra or just visiting, Elizabeth recommends taking in some live entertainment, visiting the local wineries to take advantage of exploring the broader Canberra region or taking an adventure walk in one of the many woodlands, wetlands, parks or lakes.

“The energy and culture of Canberra has evolved so much in the almost 20 years I have lived here. It is a great place for families, young professionals and students. I encourage anyone considering it as their next home to invest your heart and soul into this place, as I have done. I am sure it won’t let you down.”

Wellington and Singapore

Elizabeth is excited to be taking advantage of the Singapore Airlines Capital Express flight to Wellington over the winter recess and is looking forward to visiting and taking in the sights of our ‘Sister City’.

She commends the government on the strong ties that have been established in the two international markets (Wellington and Singapore) and looks forward to seeing opportunities for business grow off the back of the foundations that have already forged so many strong B2B relationships.

Qualifications
Bachelor of Laws/ Bachelor of Asian Studies (ANU)
Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (ANU) (not yet conferred)
Masters of Laws (ANU) (not yet conferred)
Cert III in Fitness (Australian Fitness Network)

 If you would like to get in touch with Elizabeth to discuss matters of interest in the electorate of Kurrajong or relevant to the Disability and Environment portfolios, you can contact her via this website link.

**This is an interview by the Capital Express Group - if you would like to be interviewed to be profiled on the website or in a monthly newsletter, please get in touch today via email.

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