Joanne Van der Plaat has been selected as the NSW Liberal Party candidate for the federal electorate of Eden Monaro.
The Cooma resident who attended Monaro High School has been a lawyer for over 20 years, is the Immediate Past President of the Law Society of NSW and a member of the Dry Plains/Wambrook Rural Fire Brigade.
Ms Van der Plaat was a former director of a Cooma community aged care facility, a former board member of St Patrick’s Parish School and formerly vice president of Snowy’s Place.
She said tackling the cost of the living crisis is her main focus at this point in time.
“Towns and communities across regional NSW continue to face enormous challenges,” Ms Van der Plaat said.
“I am committed to fighting for the needs of our electorate, from the South Coast to the Snowy Mountains, up the Barton, down the Kings and on the Monaro,” she said.
“Eden Monaro needs someone who can stand up and fight for our electorate and the networks and experience I have built up over the years in running my own business, leading the legal profession and community involvement, have provided me with the skills and tools to deliver the infrastructure and services that we need.
“As costs spiral – from mortgages to rent, groceries to electricity and petrol – this Government has been focussed on the wrong priorities. Eden-Monaro has suffered as a result, with our towns and villages struggling to cope with the extra cost burdens.
“The Liberal team will help our communities through these tough times. We need to lower energy bills and curb inflation.
“I will fight for more investment in our regional road and communications network, and improving local health services and amenities to ensure that Eden-Monaro is the best place to live, work and raise a family.”
Image: Nichole Overall
