interview
Increasing representation
of people with disabilities
in politics and leadership
positions is paramount to
achieving a truly inclusive
society. Link interviews
two inspiring women who
are working to promote
inclusion and change the way
leadership is understood.
Leading the way
L
Liesl Tesch, politician
iesl Tesch is a former the social and economic inclusion of
high school teacher and people with disabilities.
Paralympian who became the
Member for Gosford in New South conference is we put a motion to the
Wales in April 2017. 63rd Commonwealth Parliamentary
“I was elected to represent the
disability in politics and leadership
positions was one of her main goals.
“While I wasn’t elected to
Conference held in Bangladesh represent people with disabilities,
people of Gosford, but I’ve also in November, to establish a but the people of Gosford, I do have
become a voice for people with Commonwealth Parliamentarians a great understanding of the needs
disabilities and a really important role With Disability Sector,” she said. of people with disabilities and I have
model for social inclusion,” she said.
Ms Tesch was one of two
“So, much like we had a
a good network that I can use to push
women’s sector to develop female for change,” she said. “Similar to my
parliamentarians with disability to representation in politics, we’re role in sport, simply by being there
represent Australia at the inaugural using a similar model to increase and doing what I do with integrity
meeting of Commonwealth representation of people with and vision, being a role model is one
Parliamentarians with Disabilities disabilities in politics. of the most important roles I can play.
held in Canada in August last year.
She said the conference,
26
“One of the outcomes from that
Ms Tesch said increasing
representation of people with
“Having representation of 15 per
“Just being in Parliament, in a
cent of politicians with disability wheelchair, in places that are very
attended by 25 politicians from 13 would be ideal, as that would at least visible … I’m hoping things like the
countries, was all about ensuring be close to mirroring representation built environment will change faster
disability perspectives were in the general public – but that’s than it would if I wasn’t here, so a
considered in all aspects of policy definitely not the numbers we’ve got future Member of Parliament can do
and legislation that contribute to in Australia at the moment.” this without having to second guess.
interview
linkonline.com.au