Candice Burch
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Candice Burch | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Australian Capital Territory Legislative Assembly for Kurrajong | |
| In office 13 December 2017 – 17 October 2020 | |
| Preceded by | Steve Doszpot |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 26 August 1988 |
| Party | Liberal Party |
| Alma mater | Australian National University |
| Occupation | Politician |
Candice Burch (born 26 August 1988)[1] is an Australian politician who was a Liberal member of the Australian Capital Territory Legislative Assembly. Candice Burch is not to be confused with nor is biologically related to Joy Burch, who is another member of the ACT Legislative Assembly. Candice Burch was one of three Canberra Liberals who lost their seat in the 2020 ACT Election.[2] Since losing her seat in the Assembly, Candice now works as Public Affairs and Communications Manager for the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia.[3]
Burch was born in South Africa, and emigrated to Australia at a young age in 1990.[4][5] She graduated from the Australian National University with a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Economics.[4] She was previously employed in the Australian Public Service, most recently as an assistant director in the Department of Finance.[6]
Burch has stated that she has had a keen interest in local politics since she was a young person.[citation needed] After moving to Canberra in 2007,[4] Burch became the ANU Liberal Club President in 2010 and the ACT Young Liberal President in 2014.[citation needed] Burch noticed extraordinary levels of Government debt and believed it was important to put up her hand and to have a young person involved in the decisions of how public money is spent.[citation needed]
Election and Work in the ACT Legislative Assembly
Burch was elected in a count-back held on 11 December 2017 to fill the casual vacancy for the Kurrajong electorate caused by the death of Steve Doszpot, and was declared elected on 13 December.[7] Burch stated that it was not easy to take the seat in such difficult circumstances.[8] However, her 'deep-rooted passion' for freedom, equal opportunity and small government led her to take-up the challenge.[9] In her inaugural speech, Burch noted that her sudden election was reflective of the 'unexpected nature of life and Hare-Clark’.[10] Burch stated that being a member of the ACT Legislative Assembly involves a lot of hard work and a genuine desire to represent one's constituents.[11]
Burch's election marked the first female-majority Liberal opposition in Australia.[12] Another motivating factor for Burch was to assist in removing barriers to gender equality.[13] She noted in her inaugural speech that being a Liberal and being a woman are not incompatible identities.[14]
Burch became the Liberals' Shadow Minister for Transport & Public Sector Management and was a fierce opponent of the Canberra Light Rail.[15] In the portfolio Burch was responsible for policy in relation to transport and road safety.[16] In her role, Burch fought against what she saw as poorly managed and directed bus routes, which in tandem with the light rail caused great transport issues in the ACT.[17] Burch has noted that her proudest achievement was her campaign mounted against the ACT Government's cuts for school buses and the reversal of a number of those cuts.[18]