Liz Oss-Emer ----- -----------------------
Qld Democrats Candidate for Longman

Email: Liz.OssEmer@qld.democrats.org.au
Phone: (m) 0419 675 850 / 07 5497 8361

Liz has lived at Morayfield for 10 years. Liz is one of 11 children and grew up in country NSW. Liz has worked as a general and mental health nurse for 25 years and currently works as the manager of a local aged care home. Liz and husband Mark have 2 teenage children.

Liz is a long time member of the Australian Democrats and is currently the Queensland State President of the Party, a position she has held for 3 years. She has been a candidate in previous elections, including as a Senate candidate in 2001.

Liz originally became involved in politics because she believes it's not enough to have opinions - it's important to act on those opinions as well. This election for Liz is about restoring an independent Senate.

She is particularly concerned about the emergence of extremist politics in Australia, and wants to see common sense restored.

"Since John Howard gained Senate control the Coalition has had a free range and we've seen damaging policies put into effect. The Prime Minister and his ministers love to say they believe in Australian values like the "fair go" - but there are plenty of unfair policies coming into effect, such as our treatment of the disabled, the aged, refugees and indigenous people."

Liz thinks Workchoices has caused a great deal of anxiety amongst workers, making them feel insecure and uncertain about their future, something she sees in the aged care industry.

Liz says the Howard government is to be condemned for its arrogant abuse of power in controlling the Senate, bringing in changes such as limiting debate, curbing committee enquiry processes and reducing opportunities for opposition parties to represent the people who elected them.

Politics should be about balance and fairness, Liz believes, not about winning at any cost and enforcing extreme ideological positions on the people. She is proud of the Democrats proven record of bringing common sense to policies and decision making, and pleased to have the opportunity to support the election campaign of Democrat Senator Andrew Bartlett.

Liz is a member of the Royal College of Nursing Australia, the Qld Nurses' Union, Australians for Native Title and Reconciliation, the Qld Council of Civil Liberties and Just Rights Qld.