Candidate Profile:
Fiona Simspon - LNP candidate for Maroochydore

Contacts:  P 5443 7995 F 5443 7242 E Maroochydore@parliament.qld.gov.au  www.fionasimpson.com.au

History

When I won the newly created Sunshine Coast seat of Maroochydore in 1992 at the age of 27, I was the youngest ever woman at that time elected to the Queensland Parliament. In September 2006 I was elected as Deputy Leader of the Opposition and Deputy Leader of the Nationals, a position I held until the creation of the Liberal National Party in July 2008. I have since been made the Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, Main Roads and Transport. An award-winning journalist before entering Parliament (Dalgetys Excellence in Rural Journalism Award), I have a diverse background of interests and achievements. I speak conversational Japanese having lived and studied there as a Rotary Exchange Student. On return to Australia, I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree with majors in Japanese, journalism and government. I also hold a Master of Arts in organisational leadership, majoring in communications, as well as a diploma from the Australian Institute of Company Directors. My ties to the Sunshine Coast are strong, having grown up here attending Cooroy and Yandina Primary and Nambour High School. I am passionate about local community. I endeavour to follow the principles of servant leadership - leading by serving others - and actively support a range of community groups such as sports, church and welfare organisations whose members are building a stronger Sunshine Coast community through their commitment to other people.

Objectives

As a passionate and hard working local, I am committed to the region and keeping the Sunshine Coast a great place to live by: • providing strong leadership by serving others • saying NO to Traveston Crossing Dam and NO desalination plant at Marcoola • building health and transport systems that work for our communities • delivering a first rate education system for our children • protecting our environment • securing Queensland jobs and supporting small business and industry.

Three People I'd like to have to Dinner

At the moment, friends and family. I meet many interesting and stimulating people through my work but sometimes it’s the simple pleasure of time spent in the company of those who know you best and who tell it as it is which means the most.

The Last Book I Read was...

Most memorable of recent books is David Bussau’s “Never Give Up” but current book “The Tipping Point – How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference” by Malcolm Gladwell is a ripper.

The Last Music I Bought or 
Listened to was...

Barlow Girls and Michael W Smith

My Interests
(outside of this election)

I enjoy singing, tennis, bushwalking, strolling on my favourite Sunshine Coast beaches and good coffee.