Member for Bass Rebekah Pentland opens up during inaugural speech to parliament

Member for Bass Rebekah Pentland unveiled a set of guiding “personal policies” and revealed her encounter with a Hollywood superstar during an inaugural speech to parliament on Tuesday.

Member for Bass Rebekah Pentland of the Jacqui Lambie Network. Picture: Linda Higginson

Member for Bass, Rebekah Pentland, paid tribute to her family – and unveiled a set of guiding “personal policies” – during an inaugural speech to parliament on Tuesday.

The Sydney-born 46-year-old Jacqui Lambie Network member also peppered her address with highlights from a colourful and varied working career, including eye-opening days at her father’s Kings Cross TAB agency, serving beers to film star Tom Cruise at the SCG Members bar, training teenagers at the Barcelona tennis academy run by star player Arantxa Sánchez, and running her own gym franchise.

Member for Bass Rebekah Pentland in state parliament. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“Sport, health, and fitness have provided me with incredible career opportunities, so it is fitting that a debate about a sports stadium should pave the way for my entry into this arena,” she said.

Ms Pentland told parliament that the medical difficulties experienced by son, Jasper, had made her and husband Alex realise the limitations of Tasmania’s health system.

The mother of three said it had become her personal mission to ensure that every Tasmanian has access to required treatments and services when needed.

Ms Pentland also said that – after the Jacqui Lambie Network was criticised for lacking policies during the election – she wanted to reveal her own guiding principles, which included the hard work instilled by her father, the optimism displayed by her husband, and wanting to leave the world a better place for her children,

“It is truly an honour to be standing in front of you today as an elected member for the Electorate of Bass,” Ms Pentland said.

“I acknowledge that I have a lot to learn, and I am excited to take on this challenge and opportunity.

“I thank the people of Bass, for putting their faith in me to represent them on matters that concern them most.”

Originally published as Member for Bass Rebekah Pentland opens up during inaugural speech to parliament