I moved back to Queensland after 12 years working as a State Sales Manager in Victoria. During that time, I survived cancer twice. The after-effects have stayed with me, and like many others, I was handed a long list of pharmaceuticals that did little to help.

A close friend of mine, who was terminally ill, introduced me to cannabis. He sent me some edibles and it changed everything. I saw a real difference in my quality of life. My sleep improved, pain eased, and appetite came back. For me, the mental fog began to lift. It was the first time in years I felt something was actually working.

I wanted to understand more, so I joined Legalise Cannabis Victoria and stood as a candidate in the 2022 state election. I teamed up with Rachel Payne for an Upper House seat. With only two weeks of pre-polling and a lot of energy, we helped Rachel become Victoria’s first Legalise Cannabis MP. It was an incredible moment.

Later, I returned home to Queensland and ran in the 2024 state election for Hervey Bay, where I proudly earned 7% of the primary vote. Not long after, I was asked to step in for the federal election on the Gold Coast, and I did my best to support our Senate candidate and push our message into the national spotlight.

In early 2025, I was contacted by the South Australian team who needed help to reactivate the state party. I joined the executive and committed to using everything I’ve learned to support the party’s growth. I plan to run for the seat of Chaffey in the 2026 state election and will be backing our Upper House candidate along the way.

This is personal for me. Too many Australians are being treated like criminals for using prescribed cannabis. A positive test does not mean someone is impaired, but our laws still act like it does. Around 700,000 Australians used cannabis for medical reasons in the past year, including many who self-medicate. Every one of them is at risk of prosecution under current laws. That has to change.

I also believe every Australian should have the right to grow their own medicine. No one should be punished for wanting to heal themselves in a safe and natural way. Reforming hemp and cannabis laws is at the heart of what I do, every single day.

I am proud to stand up for what is fair and what is right. My goal is to bring these conversations into parliament and make real change happen.