I’m Sheena Watt and I’m proud to be a Member of the Victorian Legislative Council for the Northern Metropolitan Region.

Prior to becoming an MP, I was an Executive Manager at youth employment provider AFL Sports Ready, guiding Aboriginal young people to access tailored employment and training pathways. I’ve worked in a range of health sector jobs including for the Stroke Foundation. I’ve been actively involved in driving non-governmental organisations to support my communities - serving on boards such as the Victorian Health Promotion Foundation, Victorian Council of Social Service, Women’s Health Victoria and Merri Health. 

I know personally that Governments can make a difference in people’s lives. Growing up, I experienced vulnerability and disadvantage. As a young carer, I saw first-hand how the health system failed my family. As a working-class Aboriginal woman, I lived with the racism of low expectations from people who were meant to inspire and guide me. I saw that the Andrews Government was making a real effort to make the lives of First Peoples’ better. So, I wanted to be part of the change I wanted to see in the world – in the Victorian Parliament.

My commitment to amplifying inclusivity drives my active advocacy in breaking down historical and contemporary barriers, from the board room to the Parliament. Since 2020, I have been a member of the ALP National Reconciliation Action Plan Steering Committee and served as Co-Chair of the Victorian Reconciliation Action Plan Steering Committee. Proudly, I co-chaired the Victorian Government’s Anti-Racism Taskforce since 2021, where I investigated best practices to effectively respond to and reduce the prevalence of racism in Victoria. This work culminated in the launch of Victoria’s landmark Anti-Racism Strategy in November 2024.

In the wake of the Voice referendum, I have continued to foster multi-party support and reaching out across partisan lines to pave the way for treaty negotiations, and meaningful progress towards reconciliation and self-determination for Aboriginal communities.

I want all Victorians to feel like they get a fair go in our state, and to be able to access the opportunities to live decent, dignified lives. I believe it’s one of our most important jobs as Members of Parliament to lift up the most vulnerable in our community. That is why I continue to be strong advocate for making Parliament and Victoria as a whole a more welcoming place for First Nations people and other diverse communities.

Click here to view my Inaugural Speech to the Parliament of Victoria