2021-02-19
2020 was a huge year for the Greens around the country – particularly in the ACT, where we tripled our representation in the Assembly at the October election. In this latest instalment of our series that introduces our newest MPs, we speak to Member for Yerrabi Andrew Braddock.
1. What do you remember about your first election?
The broadcast of the tally room in Canberra, with the banks of results behind them.
2. Endangered Australian animal that's captured your heart?
Bush stone curlew. I remember as a child hearing their calls at night and my mother saying that the Aboriginal people believed they were lost spirits calling for their mothers. Now I have grown up we have a reintroduced population in Mulligan’s Flat Woodland Sanctuary.
3. What’s your precious place and why?
Any deserted beach with waves crashing and wind blowing. I could walk for miles.
4. Favourite Greens policy?
Renewable economy and climate change. I can’t believe we are still having this battle. Let’s just do it.
5. Best part of your work with the Greens?
Getting paid to do it!
6. What keeps you going?
My role gives me agency. If I wasn’t doing it I think I would lose too much hope.
7. Favourite political song?
When The Generals Talk by Midnight Oil.
8. Who inspires you? Why?
The Dalai Lama. Such calmness and wisdom, even in the face of what has happened to him and his country.
9. Comfort food?
Chocolate!!
10. What would you spend $20 billion on?
Protected cycle paths. Given they provide a benefit to cost ratio of 20:1, that is $400 billion of benefits.
11. Secret vice?
Chocolate. I’m addicted, I admit it.
12. Best coffee/drink in town?
Atlas on Hibberson St, Gungahlin.
13. Three apps you can’t live without?
Outlook, Reminders, Calendar – very practical but I am not an organised person. Without these, my work life would stop.
14. What did you want to be when you grew up?
A surgeon.
15. Morning run or night time swim?
Night time swim. Me running is not a pretty sight.
16. What’s your greatest hope for the future?
To pass on a world in the best shape possible.
17. Magic wand to solve one world problem — what would it be?
Climate change.
18. What advice would you give a new volunteer?
Enjoy it. People tend to take it too seriously. If you enjoy what you are doing, you are more likely to do more of it.
19. You can travel through time – where do you go?
Back to a much younger self to give some sage advice. Not sure if I would listen, but has to be worth a shot.
20. If you weren’t doing this for a living, what would you be doing?
Going spare wondering what the heck to do with my life.