Party Position

• Member-What Women Want

Bio
Originally from Sydney, Denise has lived in the electorate of Stirling for over 20 years.

As a Registered Nurse, Midwife and Lactation Consultant I have many years experience of publicly advocating for health services that are based on evidence and are women and family friendly. In my work practice I have put the health consumer at the centre of my services.   contributes significantly to our ailing health system.

I was the first WA Convener of the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative, a World Health Organisation program to make promote and support breastfeeding practices based on research evidence.

My midwifery experiences began in England and took me to Papua New Guinea where I first learnt that many of the birthing problems encountered in Australia are a reflection of our medicalised culture. Having made contributions to many of the 30 public enquiries (both state and national) into childbirth and breastfeeding over the last decade I have also learnt that research based evidence and inquiries are not enough to shift entrenched powers or practices. 

As a nurse I know that health is not simply a matter of enough food or exercise, that people who have productive lives over which they have some control have the best prospects of health and happiness.

However the gaps between rich and poor, powerful and powerless are being made worse by many current Australian government policies.

I believe our social health has diminished under the Howard Government.   Too often politicians play on fears of minority groups and, or events to maintain their positions rather than working to alleviate anxieties and creating a more equitable and harmonious world. Strong social policy and community building are very important, they are seen as 'soft' issues and yet their effects are far reaching in our community.

As a representative of the people of Stirling I would continue to help build a strong local community.  I would listen and participate and work with local people to create a happy healthy society.