Margaret was elected to the House of Representatives as the representative for the Electorate of McPherson on the southern Gold Coast in October 1998.  She has held the seat comfortably over the four elections.

Born in Baa, Fiji Islands, Margaret migrated to Australia with her family during her school years.   She holds a Diploma of Business Administration, Accounting and over the years has worked in private industry, the Department of Education and operated a successful business whilst raising a family.

Margaret moved to Indonesia in 1975 and returned to Australia in 1978.  In Indonesia, she was active in a number of major national non-government organisations in the field of overseas aid specialising in reproductive health, family planning, counselling and working in areas ranging from elephantiasis to cholera. 

Margaret’s interest in overseas aid – especially in the Asia Pacific region – continues unabated and was a member of the Government Policy Committee of Trade and Foreign Affairs where she has a say in Australia’s aid abroad and is a member of the UNICEF Parliamentary Group. 

Driver training for Australia’s youth, education, health and social matters such as domestic violence are issues high on Margaret’s agenda.

Political life takes up a great deal of Margaret’s time but in her spare time, she enjoys reading, exercising, the theatre and music.  Margaret is married to David.  They have three children, Dayne, Dimity and Kristin and three grandchildren – Jaiden, Emily and new arrival - Angus.

Community Involvement -

• Bond University Council (Member)
• Bond Medical School Advisory Board (Member)
• Gold Coast Community Fund (Member)
• Gold Coast Titans Board (Member)
• Titans Community Foundation (Chairman)
• Steering Committee of the Bendigo Bank, Varsity Lakes (Member)
• Regional Economic Development Advisory Board (Member)
• Airport Noise Abatement Committee (Member)