Gina Masterton for the seat of Ryan

I would describe myself as a passionate advocate for humanity. Throughout my professional life, I have dedicated myself to championing civil and human rights, striving to make meaningful and positive changes in society. Whether in my role as a legal professional or as a university educator, I have always sought to empower others and contribute to the greater good. Now, I believe the next step in my journey is to serve as a representative for the people within government, where I can work from the inside to create lasting, positive change. I am committed to being a voice for the people of RYAN—fearless in being SEEN and HEARD in Canberra. My goal is to collaborate with like-minded individuals to bring about tangible progress that benefits the residents of RYAN and the wider community.

Bio

I was born and raised in Brisbane, spending my early childhood in Logan, where my family lived in social housing for a while. At the age of 12, my remarkable parents purchased a modest home for their five children for $19,000. As the eldest child, I had the privilege of growing up with my four sisters and one brother, who were my closest friends and we made a lot of wonderful memories together. My parents operated a successful concrete truck business in the 1980s, and their hard work provided us with a stable financial foundation. Their commitment to ensuring the best possible life for their children instilled in us a strong work ethic. Both of my grandmothers, who were also deeply influential figures in my life, were strong First Nations women whose wisdom and cultural teachings continue to inspire me. I also embrace and celebrate my non-Indigenous heritage.

At 17, I graduated from secretarial school and began working for law firms in Brisbane. At 29, I enrolled in law school at QUT and graduated in 2000, gaining admission to the Queensland Bar. I was first in my family to go to university. While studying at law school, I had the privilege of working for the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions as a cadet barrister for four years.

Later in 2000, I relocated to Los Angeles, where I worked with various law firms and found great fulfillment in my legal career. In my spare time, I volunteered at women’s shelters and animal rescue organisations. I did not pursue U.S. citizenship, so I returned to Brisbane at the end of 2013. In early 2014, I began a Master of Laws (Research) at QUT, graduating in 2016. My passion for academia led me to further my studies, and in 2016, I enrolled in a PhD program at Griffith Law School, which I completed in 2022. For the past three years, I have had the honour of serving as an academic educator with QUT’s School of Justice.

For the next chapter of my career, I am committed to continuing my work as a human rights advocate. I believe that, if elected to government, I would be able to directly influence the development of legislation that strengthens the protection of human rights across all areas. This role would allow me to effect meaningful change without the limitations I encountered as a lawyer and academic, enabling me to contribute to lasting, positive reforms.

Access to Affordable Education & Training

• Support initiatives to reduce or eliminate HECS debt for tertiary students.
  
• Expand education and training options to ensure all young people have access to opportunities regardless of their circumstances.
  
• Implement and strengthen anti-bullying programs across schools to ensure safe and inclusive learning environments.
  
• Encourage and support high school completion pathways for students who have experienced bullying or other barriers.
  
• Promote policies that remove financial deterrents to pursuing higher education.
  

I was compelled to leave high school at the end of grade 10 due to severe bullying, an experience that deeply affected me as I was an A student with a strong desire to complete my education. This formative experience motivated me to become a passionate anti-bullying advocate. I am committed to doing everything in my power to combat bullying, especially in schools. Without access to education choices, our children will suffer and our society as a whole will pay a heavy price. Our young people must not be discouraged from seeking a tertiary education by the fear of having a huge HECS debt.

Access to Free Health Programs

• Provide universal access to free mental health services for individuals of all ages.
  
• Ensure survivors of domestic and family violence (DFV) and trauma can access qualified support professionals without financial burden.
  
• Expand trauma-informed care and counselling programs in community health services.
  
• Guarantee that anyone seeking mental health or trauma recovery assistance can do so freely and without stigma.
  
• Invest in programs that support long-term recovery and empowerment for those affected by DFV and other trauma.
  

I have personal experience with domestic and family violence (DFV) and other forms of trauma. Through this journey, I have been fortunate to access professional support, which has been instrumental in my healing and empowerment. I firmly believe that it is crucial for everyone to have access to the support and resources they need to heal, should they choose to seek help. Ensuring that individuals can access such services is vital to their well-being and recovery.

More Protections for the Elderly

• Increase legal protections and monitoring to prevent abuse and exploitation of the elderly.
  
• Establish community-based programs that integrate elders into youth education and mentoring initiatives.
  
• Improve public awareness and reporting systems for elder abuse, including financial scams and domestic mistreatment.
  
• Advocate for stronger penalties and law enforcement responses to crimes against elderly individuals.
  
• Support safe, independent living for seniors through housing assistance, home safety audits, and community engagement programs.
  

Our community elders deserve to be celebrated and protected and even integrated into our learning systems for the benefit of young people. However,  many are experiencing abuse—often unreported—leaving this vulnerable group at significant risk of harm from relatives, caregivers and scammers. Cecilia Wong, who lived for many years at The Gap in Brisbane, was recently killed by her adult son, when should have been able to live safely and securely in her own home, free from fear. It is crucial that we take action to address and prevent such abuse.

Reducing Domestic and Family Violence (DFV)

• Reform the Family Law Act to ensure faster and more effective legal consequences for perpetrators of abuse.
  
• Mandate access to mental health treatment for offenders as part of rehabilitation efforts.
  
• Enable victims to remain safely in their own homes through legal protections and safety upgrades.
  
• Expand access to free emergency accommodation and support services for people escaping abuse.
  
• Place qualified DFV professionals in schools to educate young people about healthy relationships and recognizing abusive behaviours.
  
• Develop early intervention programs focused on teenagers to teach emotional regulation and conflict resolution skills.
  
• Promote long-term DFV prevention strategies by breaking intergenerational cycles of abuse.

Reforming our laws to ensure that perpetrators of abuse are incarcerated more promptly and for longer periods, while also providing them with the necessary mental health support, is crucial. This approach could eventually enable perpetrators to re-engage with their families in a healthier way. Additionally, it is essential to be able to allow victims to stay in their own homes and also create more accessible, free accommodation and support services for victims of abuse who need to escape unsafe environments. Equally important is the need for qualified professionals to work within schools to educate young people about abusive behaviours and offer support for those in need. I believe that domestic and family violence (DFV) can only be effectively addressed by focusing on early intervention, particularly by working with teenagers and teaching them to recognize red flags and helping them develop the skills to regulate their behaviours. We can then begin to prevent future cycles of abuse and foster healthier relationships between our younger people.

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