Thank you Fiona Patten
HA is sad to see that Fiona Patten, HA's Ambassador and Humanist of the Year 2020, has had to concede defeat in the recent Victorian State election. For eight years Fiona has been a leading voice in the upper house of the Victorian Parliament for compassionate and progressive policy based on reason and evidence.
Her work, particularly in reproductive health, drug law reform and voluntary assisted dying, has been a shining example of how politics can be done better. Fiona has avoided the usual major party dogmatic approach and focused on bringing cross-party working groups on the journey of investigation, evidence gathering and pragmatic policy development to achieve great progress.
Her outstanding achievements in leading debate and securing legislation on many issues of concern to Humanists, particularly end of life, abortion safety, sexual health and drugs of addiction, are well known.
As an active MP Fiona was successful in raising the following issues, which have resulted in either a parliamentary enquiry or legislative action.
Safe Exclusion Zones around abortion clinics
Australia’s largest public inquiry into drug law reform
The establishment of online e-petitions to Parliament
Transforming the transport industry through Ridesharing Legislation
A trial for Victoria’s first medically supervised injecting centre
Voluntary Assisted Dying Legislation
Spent Convictions Scheme
Positive results in Victoria have also helped support similar causes in other States. Taking an actively humanist approach in politics requires a big commitment of time and energy, and Fiona has worked incredibly hard to serve her electorate and the State as a whole.
HA thanks Fiona for her service and wishes her all the best in her future endeavours.