MARY-ANNE THOMAS CANDIDATE STATEMENT Northcote resident and ALP member, Mary-Anne Thomas today announced that, following

encouragement from local members she would be seeking support for pre-selection for the seat of Batman. Mary-Anne is currently the Executive Manager of Plan International, one of the worlds largest childrens development agencies, and has over 20 years experience in the public, private and community sector. In announcing today, Ms. Thomas said: I come from a very strong Labor family, my parents drummed into my brothers and I that that the Australian Labor Party is a great force for change, fairness and equality. I have decided today to put my hand up to be considered by my fellow ALP members for pre-selection for this great Labor seat, Batman. I have received warm support from local members, and I look forward to talking to as many as possible in the coming weeks. This seat has been represented by Labor greats from the very best of the partys traditions Brian Howe with his strong commitment to social policy and justice, and the economic and industry strengths of Martin Ferguson. I have not taken this decision lightly or without understanding the responsibilities that public office carries, particularly in a seat with a proud history like Batman. In my working life, I have always looked for opportunities to be part of social change. As a feminist, a unionist, an educator and a working mother, I have strived to do the best in every job I have taken on. Batman is a strong and cohesive community with people from all over the world and from all walks of life, it is a great example of the best that Australia can be. I strongly believe that the role of the modern ALP is to continue to build a strong economy that does not leave anybody behind. I believe in an Australia that is not fearful or insular, but open and engaged with our region and the world. If I was fortunate enough to be elected as the member for Batman, I would be committed to delivering education reform, fair and secure jobs and support for families. Background Mary- Anne grew up in Sandy Creek, a small community outside Wodonga and completed her schooling at Wodonga High School. She has a Bachelor of

Education and a Masters of Public Policy and Management from Melbourne University, and was the first in her family to attend university. One of three children, Mary-Annes parents Kath and Mike were members of the Tallangatta Branch of the Labor Party, and she remembers being taken to a rally at the Civic Centre in Albury after the dismissal of Gough Whitlam. Mary-Annes working life began as a teacher at Laverton High School and since that time she has worked for trade unions, in education and training, as a policy advisor in State Government, and as a senior executive in corporate communications in Government and at NAB. Mary-Anne, partner Graham Kent and her daughter Olivia have lived in Northcote and Thornbury for more than 15 years. Graham is a Superintendent with Victoria Police and Olivia completed Year 12 last year and is currently saving to travel overseas before going to university in 2014. Mary-Annes great passions in life include living in Northcote, supporting the St Kilda Football Club, running - she is currently training for a half marathon education, childrens and womens policy and bringing up her daughter. For more information please call: Mary-Anne Thomas 0407 789 415