2019-03-22
(Jacinda) Ardern, ’Boys Will Be Boys’ and coffee – we find out the ABCs of what makes the Australian Greens’ National Co-Convenor Willisa Hogarth tick.
1. What do you remember about your first election?
I remember two key things: buying a perfect ‘on-brand’ Green jacket just for the occasion, and having an excellent two-hour conversation with one of the volunteers from the Liberal party – which ended up with him admitting that ‘some’ of the AG policies were pretty well considered and realistic solutions to Australia's social issues.
2. Endangered Australian animal that's captured your heart?
The night parrot. In 2013, it was rediscovered but this last known population had its location suppressed to protect it from star-struck bird watchers from disturbing the parrots too much. #celebrityparrot
3. What’s your precious place and why?
Taking my girls to Port Campbell (Victoria) in the summer. Such a beautiful, tiny piece of our amazing coast, with walking tracks, beautiful swimming holes and amazing ice cream. We’re so lucky!
4. Favourite Greens policy?
Our renewable energy policies! I’m excited by the concept of repowering our economy with 100 percent renewables and stopping the destruction of our amazing landscape from coal and fracking.
5. Best part of your work with the Greens?
The incredible sense of pride I get when I see our members achieving such great things. I love being a part of our movement, and talking to new members about their own Greens story.
Our members are definitely the reason that I enjoy being part of the Greens so much.
6. What keeps you going?
Knowing that our movement is dedicated to building a better future for my three daughters.
7. Favourite political song?
Stella Donnelly’s ‘Boys Will Be Boys’.
8. Who inspires you? Why?
It's hard not to be inspired by Jacinda Ardern at the moment. A new mother, showing the world exactly what leadership looks like.
9. Comfort food?
Coffee. All the coffee.
10. What would you spend $20 billion on?
I’d split it up between investing in renewables, protecting our bio-diversity and building more community housing.
11. Secret vice?
White wine!
12. Best coffee/drink in town?
Espresso martinis on tap at Blue Moon Bar in Melbourne (but only on karaoke nights).
13. Three apps you can’t live without?
Instagram, Signal and Runkeeper.
14. What did you want to be when you grew up?
A marching girl (aged five) and later a writer (aged 15).
15. Morning run or night time swim?
Morning run (I have too many evening meetings for swimming!).
16. What’s your greatest hope for the future?
That we haven’t left it too late and we can save our beautiful landscapes for my grandchildren’s grandchildren.
17. Magic wand to solve one world problem — what would it be?
Only women in leadership roles globally for a five year period.
18. What advice would you give a new volunteer?
Engage! We’re so much fun! Go to your local meeting, check in on your management team, get in touch with your state convenors. We’re keen for your imput and our party is only as strong as its engagement.
19. You can travel through time – where do you go?
October 10, 1903 – the formation of the suffragette movement!
20. If you weren’t doing this for a living, what would you be doing?
Currently I’m a secondary English/history teacher, which is the best job in the entire world, but it’s not a secret that I’d quite like to represent our Greens community in the Senate.