Joanna Siejka (Rostami) | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Member of the Tasmanian Legislative Council for Pembroke | |
| In office 4 November 2017 – 2 August 2022 | |
| Preceded by | Vanessa Goodwin |
| Succeeded by | Luke Edmunds |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 11 September 1980 Hobart, Tasmania, Australia |
| Political party | Labor Party |
| Alma mater | University of Tasmania Swinburne University of Technology |
Joanna Clare Siejka (born 11 September 1980) is an Australian politician and not-for-profit leader.
Siejka was elected as a first-time Labor party candidate to the Tasmanian Legislative Council in a by-election for the electoral division of Pembroke on 4 November 2017. In a field of seven candidates, Siejka won 32.4% of the primary votes[1].
Siejka won a second term convincingly in 2019 with a 12.5% swing on her primary votes.[2]
In her inaugural speech Siejka spoke about the importance of consultation with community members, key issues raised during the election.[3] Since being elected she has spent time consulting with community members of all ages, and has taken a proactive approach in educating and including members of the Electorate in the Parliamentary process.
She was the Shadow Minister for Disability, Ageing and Veterans, and was the Leader of Opposition in the Upper House.[4]
In 2020, Siejka was the first woman in the Tasmanian Legislative Council to give birth whilst in office, and to have her daughter in the Chamber with her.[5]
In July 2022, Siejka announced her resignation from the Legislative Council so that she could move interstate to be with her husband.[6]
Siejka is now known by her married name, Joanna Rostami, and is currently the national CEO of the youth affairs peak body, the Australian Youth Affairs Coalition.
- ^ "Pembroke Results - 2017 Pembroke Legislative Council By-Election Tasmania". tec.tas.gov.au. Retrieved 9 February 2021.
- ^ Bonham, Kevin (4 May 2019). "Dr Kevin Bonham: Legislative Council 2019: Nelson, Pembroke and Montgomery Live And Post-Count". Dr Kevin Bonham. Retrieved 9 February 2021.
- ^ Beniuk, David (21 November 2017). "TasWater takeover 'not a priority' for Pembroke voters, says new Labor MLC Jo Siejka". The Mercury. Retrieved 11 March 2018.
- ^ "Parliament of Tasmania - Labor Shadow Ministry". www.parliament.tas.gov.au. Retrieved 9 February 2021.
- ^ Whiteley, Cameron. "Baby in Tasmania's Legislative Council". The Mercury.
- ^ Bailey, Sue (17 July 2022). "Jo Siejka becomes second Labor MLC to leave parliament forcing a by-election". The Mercury. Retrieved 9 September 2022.