I'm Marisa Paterson, your local Member for Murrumbidgee in the ACT Legislative Assembly.
I've called this part of Canberra home for nearly 20 years. Like many local families, I want our neighbourhoods to be safe, our essential services to be there when we need them, and our children to have every opportunity to thrive.
Before entering the world of politics, I worked as a social policy researcher at the Australian National University and was Director of the Centre for Gambling Research. That experience shaped how I approach public policy: listen to people's experiences, look carefully at the evidence, and focus on what will make a meaningful difference.
Since being elected in 2020, I've worked on issues that affect people in their everyday lives, from local community facilities to major reforms in health, public safety and gambling harm.
I am currently your ACT:
Minister for Health
Minister for Mental Health
Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services
Minister for Gaming Reform
Listen first.Good decisions start with understanding the people affected by them. I want residents to feel comfortable raising concerns, challenging ideas and sharing what matters to them.
Follow the evidence. Complex problems deserve more than easy answers. My research background has taught me the value of asking difficult questions, examining what works and being willing to improve our approach.
Focus on outcomes. Results matter more than announcements. I want to be able to explain what has changed, what progress has been made and what still needs work.
Bring people together. Lasting change takes collaboration. I believe in working with communities, frontline workers, experts and organisations to find practical solutions.
I'm a mum of three and a long-time member of the Murrumbidgee community. I understand that the decisions made in the Assembly ultimately affect real people, families and neighbourhoods.
I'm proud to represent this community, and I don't take that responsibility lightly.
Ps. Not sure if I’m your local member? If you live in the Molonglo Valley, Weston Creek, Woden Valley, Coree (including the village of Uriarra), Stromlo, or the Canberra Central suburbs of Deakin, Forrest, Red Hill and Yarralumla… then you’re with me!
Whether you have an idea for your suburb, a concern about a government service or a bigger issue you'd like to discuss, I'd love to hear from you.
