Greens candidate for Southern River Toni Pikos-Salli was inspired to run in the upcoming state election because she feels women from minority backgrounds were under-represented in politics.
The mother of five children Ms Pikos-Sallie was born and raised in Sydney but moved to WA in 1996 and has been an active member of the community since working as a school teacher and deputy principal, a public speaker to promote harmony and social cohesion, a member of the WA Police Muslim Advisory Group, a volunteer in the Homeless Connect Perth project and a coordinator of volunteer work for secondary students.
She is also part of the Building Bridges in Schools interfaith dialogue program and a recent supporter of the White Ribbon Schools.
Ms Pikos-Salli said she is passionate about ensuring all people are treated fairly and justly and are given a fair go.
She also advocates for the eradication of domestic violence, the reduction of homelessness, protecting the environment for future generations, better programs to support young people and the prevention of substance abuse and suicide, establishing a culture of respect and care for senior citizens, and improving and maintaining a high quality public health system.
“I believe that a true representative of the people understands that his or her role is to serve the people and therefore must always endeavour to stay in touch and be familiar with the issues that are important to the people of his or her electorate,” she said.
“My first act, if elected, would be to get in touch with the people of my electorate and listen to their issues and get to know what is important to them so that I can fulfil the role that they entrusted me with.”
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