What year were you born?

1956

Where did you grow up?

Born in Brighton.

What do you do?

Member of Parliament

A few words about yourself

I'm Deputy Leader of the Opposition in Victoria. I barrack for Essendon football club.

Where do you belong?

Where I am - hopefully.

Your favourite piece of music?

Dvorjak- Serenade for Strings.

The biggest hurdle you've overcome and how you did it?

My mother's death. I now try to think positively (about her life), rather than negatively (about her death).

What makes you laugh?

Good friends.

Who do you talk to when you've got a problem?

My father / or a close friend.

Your greatest achievement?

My record as a State Government Minister.

How do you cope with loneliness?

I like being alone.

How do you relax?

Attending the footy; reading; seeing friends.

What are your fears, and how do you face them?

Failure is my greatest fear. I'm also scared of dogs. I try to avoid both.

Your heroes and role models?

Dame Margaret Guilfoyle.

How have you coped with death and loss?

Same as dealing with the loss of my mum.

Your favourite place in the world?

Brighton; Paris; the beach.

How have you got through relationship breakups?

By filling my day and nights with lots of activity.

Have you ever seen someone like a counsellor, and did it help?

No.

Your life motto?

None.

The best thing about being alive?

The sheer enjoyment of it.

What are your goals for the future?

Put a bit more balance in my life. Work smarter.