Mudgee-born Pip Gelland had the opportunity to take the reins from Nationals Senator for NSW, Perin Davey, for a day as part of the annual Jasiri Girls Takeover Parliament program, which sees 60 girls from across Australia paired with a politician for a day to learn more about the everyday workings of Parliament.
Senator Davey, who began her career as a cadet reporter with the Mudgee Guardian, said she was pleased to have Miss Gelland shadow her for the day as part of the program.
“Women and girls make up the majority of the world’s population, but comprise only 23.8 per cent of all parliamentary positions globally, so it’s certainly important that we encourage more women to aim high and consider putting their hand up to represent their communities in Parliament,” she said.
“It’s great to see young women, especially those from rural and regional areas like Pip, participate in the program and seize the opportunity to learn more about the workings of Parliament.
“Pip has a very bright future ahead of her and I look forward to seeing her back in Parliament one day in the future as part of the next generation of leaders.”
Miss Gelland, who is studying law and international relations at the Australian National University, welcomed the opportunity to participate in the Jasiri Girls Takeover Parliament program.
“Throughout the day, I was able to accompany Senator Davey to meetings and see the behind-the-scenes workings of the Senate, which plays a really important role in scrutinising legislation and inquiring into policy issues, and attend a meeting with the Prime Minister,” she said.