About Nina Taylor
I grew up in a close-knit family, with a younger brother along with various much adored pets. I went to Parkdale Primary School in my junior years, followed by Mentone Grammar and finally Firbank School for Girls for secondary education. Both parents worked hard in demanding business roles, and instilled a strong work ethic.
A foundation in family and a love of the arts
A long line of outspoken, and selfless matriarchs on both sides of my family, inspired a commitment to giving service to the community without expectation of reciprocity, premised on the principle of the circularity of human existence.
I learned to multi-task early, juggling 4-5 ballet/dance classes per week as well as being strong academically in school. Such intense exposure to theatre and creative movement has fostered a passion and respect for the important contribution of the Arts to the cultural lifeblood of a community.
Broad life experience
The quest for justice and fairness as well as a love of foreign languages and culture propelled me to seek and complete qualifications in Law, Languages (French, German), Politics and Education, with intermittent travel and adventure overseas.
The sudden decline of my late father’s health, during my tertiary education, saw his premature passing when I was 21. This caused me to evaluate my path and feel gratitude for his positive, insightful andsupportive role in my life.
To support myself whilst studying and broaden my skill base, I worked full-time in the health sector for a number of years, acquiring a solution-driven focus for people with chronic diseases, and those suffering hearing loss.
Upon completing tertiary education, I undertook Articles at a commercial/corporate law firm. I was keen, however, to get involved in community causes, and provided legal advice in a voluntary capacity at the Women’s Legal Service, helping victims of family violence. Committed to fairness and service to community
I also branched out to Industrial Relations at the Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU) protecting the rights of fellow Victorians working in border protection and immigration. My passion for people inspired me to proceed to election as a Councillor with Glen Eira Council in 2016, juggling full-time CPSU work with Council duties. I am particularly proud of local reforms I supported in sustainability.
In 2018 I was honoured to be elected to represent the Southern Metro Region in the Legislative Council (LC) otherwise referred to as the ‘Upper House’, for the Victorian Parliament enabling a full-time focus on my community.
Since entering Parliament, I have undertaken a broad spectrum of committee work, pursuant to my values, supporting effective change in Victoria.
Environment and Planning Committee – Upper House
On the waste enquiry concluded early in the parliamentary cycle, it was inspiring to support pragmatic policy outcomes including the streamlining of waste collection and a Container Deposit Scheme. Further enquiries are scheduled to take place during the parliamentary term, with the potential to drive further reform.
Scrutiny of Acts and Regulations Committee
My role is to consider any Bill introduced into Parliament and SARC reports to the Parliament whether the Bill is incompatible with Human Rights – a critical element of a strong democracy.
I also Chair a number of consultation committees for:
- level crossing removals at Mentone and Cheltenham;
- a community hospital project for the seat of Albert Park (one of 10 across Victoria), and
- a Public Housing Renewal Program, in New St Brighton (one of a number across the state), giving public housing tenants the dignity of contemporary building/energy/design standards.
I consider it a privilege to represent the Southern Metro Region, continuing to champion sustainability, and fairness, and being part of government actioning important reforms across Victoria.