MY PERSONAL LIFE ISN’T RELEVANT
ANGIE Bell is a business consultant to the best national retail brands, an author, one of the smartest business graduates of Griffith University, a lifesaver – and gay.
The 51-year-old LNP candidate for the Gold Coast seat of Moncrieff has been described by state and federal MPs as “a dream to work with” but after winning a tough pre-selection, faced a backlash from some losing factions.
The Bulletin was contacted by several LNP sources about debate being stirred up in the more conservative sections of the branch about Ms Bell’s personal life.
“Well, to be honest I wasn’t really aware of what was going on because I was focused on understanding my new role as a candidate and getting across the campaign and pulling all that together,” Ms Bell said yesterday, in her first profile interview.
“I think my personal life is kind of irrelevant to the role, in that it’s never been something that defines who I am. There are far more interesting things about me than my relationship.
“I’m in a long and loving relationship with my partner of nearly 18 years. We have four beautiful stepchildren and two grandsons who bring much, much joy.
“I think the people of Moncrieff and people of Australia understand that is only a small part of my life.
“My business life is far more relevant, my experience in many countries across the world, many other experiences that life has brought me is far more relevant to the role than my relationship.”
Asked about the same-sex marriage debate, about Tony Abbott’s position and how she would handle the personal and the political, Ms Bell was clear.
“It’s like any job, isn’t it? When you go to work you leave your personal life at home. I don’t see it any different to that,” she said. “That is a plebiscite that has been voted on. Australia has decided to go with marriage equality. That was then, this is now, we are moving forward. And my plan if elected is to represent the people of Moncrieff as best I can.”
Her focus was on improving conditions for small business, getting funding for sporting facilities for families and ensuring the Coast received its fair share of infrastructure funding.
“It will be disastrous for business on the Gold Coast if Bill Shorten gets in. I’ve worked as a consultant in small business, worked as a small business development manager across the country, I have a wide understanding of that,” Ms Bell said.
Retiring MP Steven Ciobo left Moncrieff with a margin of 14.6 per cent but Ms Bell rejects suggestions she could be a winner on election night but her party the loser.
“I don’t think that the federal government will be on the opposition benches. Scott Morrison is doing a fantastic job – he’s passionate, he’s warm, he’s intelligent, he knows what he’s talking about, unlike Bill Shorten who doesn’t and has none of those properties,” she said.