Christabel was on the original Greens (WA) Senate ticket in 1990. She became WA’s second Greens Senator, replacing Jo Vallentine when she retired in late 1991. She completed that term but wasn’t returned to the Senate at the 1996 election.
She worked closely with Greens Senator Dee Margetts in improving the first Native Title Act, which had flowed from the historic Mabo decision in the High Court in 1992. They held the balance of power in the Senate and both were also instrumental in improving the working of the Federal Parliament, especially its sitting hours.
Christabel was a Foundation member of the Greens (WA) having been very active in the Alternative Coalition prior to its merger with three other groups in January 1990. She had stood for the Alternative Coalition in the 1989 State election and had also stood for a position on the Fremantle Council.
Subsequent to her leaving Parliament Christabel has focused on her professional work as a clinical psychologist. She maintained her membership of the Greens (WA) until 2003 when it joined the Australian Greens.