“The purpose of life is to contribute in some way to making things better.” - Robert F. Kennedy. Rob has indeed been driven to making things better and serving his fellow man. In 1991 Rob met with an accident which resulted in him becoming a quadriplegic. He needed to reinvent himself for the workforce and went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts and a Law degree. Rob spent several years as the Regional Disability Liaison Officer at James Cook University where he helped people with disabilities in their training/education journey. Next, Rob decided to serve a wider community as Councilor at Cairns Regional Council. After serving his local community for eight years, Rob ran for and was elected to represent the electorate of Cairns in the State Parliament in 2015 where he served on the Communities, Disability Services and Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Committee.

What differences did you want to make when you joined politics?R: I wanted to create more opportunities for people in the area I represented (Cairns) and better laws in the state of Queensland.

How have you promoted advocacy for the disabled? How can the average citizen help?R: My disability required consideration and acknowledgement by those in power, so I hopefully blazed a trail for others to follow. Hopefully it will not be as difficult for the next person with a mobility impairment. The average person must let people know when a person with disability is being denied access, whether it be physical access to a building or access to any goods or services. Often people are not aware they are discriminating and need a gentle reminder. Occasionally more forceful measures are required to enforce our rights.

What life decisions have helped you to reach where you are today?R: Education is the key. Once you have a good education and understand how society can be changed for the better, one often decides to participate in the electoral process in the hope of making a difference.

What challenges did you face after you met with an accident? What motivated you to face those challenges?R: My biggest challenge was a lack of personal support and difficulties around transport and access. My wife and my daughter were my inspiration to keep going even when I felt like giving up.

Which world leader do you admire a lot? Which of his/her quality do you admire the most?R: Nelson Mandela is my hero. His capacity to keep fighting and never give up is something all great leaders share. However, after he achieved victory he showed so much forgiveness and love to those who had caused him and his people so much pain. It is this capacity for love and forgiveness that puts Mandela (like Ghandi) right at the very top of my list of great human beings.

What are your other hobbies?R: Blogging, promoting wheelchair access and enjoying my city and the people who live here.

What is your favorite place to visit? What do you love about that place?R: Christchurch in New Zealand is my favourite place to visit. I love their gardens and old buildings. The city embraces arts and environment which I think is pretty cool.

What is your suggestion for families of children with disabilities to empower their children?R: They need to let their children know that there are more opportunities for them than ever before. Parents also need to give their children independence even though they are vulnerable. Children need to build their own friends and supports in addition to what is provided by their family.

What tips/advice do you have for those in our community who are interested in joining politics?R: I would encourage them to get involved in the process. However, I would also say do not compromise your values and principles to advance in politics. You need to be able to look in the mirror and know you have been true to yourself.

Any special message for our community?R: Keep speaking up. Where there is discrimination and disadvantage, we must raise our voice and call for action. Let us tackle the issues that disadvantage us and support each other as we strive towards a better tomorrow.