Honourable Candy Broad

The Honourable Candy Broad has made a lasting contribution to the sexual and reproductive health rights of Victorian women through her advocacy, legislative reform and social service.

She was a Member of the Legislative Council from 1999 to 2014. She first represented the electorate of Melbourne North Province, then was a Member for the Northern Victoria region.

She was Minister for Energy and Resources and Minister for Ports, then Minister for Local Government and Housing.

Under Candy's leadership, abortion was decriminalised in Victoria. In 2007, she tabled a private members bill for Abortion Law Reform, which was referred to the Victorian Law Reform Commission for review. This resulted in the government-supported Abortion Law Reform Bill 2008, which was passed overwhelmingly on a conscience vote.

Outside of parliament, Candy has worked tirelessly to advance gender equality in Victoria.

She was Chair of the Board of Women's Health Victoria and of Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre.

She is on the board of Gender and Disaster Australia, which provides training and resources to minimise the harmful impacts of gender stereotypes during disaster.

She was a member of Women's Health Victoria's Abortion and Contraception Working Group, bringing together service providers, academics and policy advocates to improve and safeguard abortion access in Victoria.