Sex, Drugs and Systemic Change: How Senate Candidate Fiona Patten is Changing Australian Politics

In this compelling episode of Chasing Financial Equality, host Kane Jackson speaks with Fiona Patten, a trailblazing two-term parliamentarian who has become a powerful voice for equality, sustainability, and personal freedom in Australian politics. From her unique journey - beginning as a fashion designer, briefly working in the sex industry, then becoming a passionate advocate for sex workers' rights during the HIV/AIDS epidemic - Fiona shares how decades of lobbying led her to establish the Australian Sex Party and ultimately enter Victorian state politics.

With remarkable candor, Fiona discusses overcoming her third battle with cancer while discovering the benefits of medicinal cannabis, her successful championing of reforms others thought impossible (from decriminalising sex work to legalising supervised injecting rooms and voluntary assisted dying), and her current campaign as the lead Senate candidate for Legalise Cannabis Australia. This conversation offers invaluable insights into creating systemic change, building coalitions across ideological divides, and the importance of authenticity in public life - particularly as rising authoritarianism and wealth concentration threaten our democratic foundations.

Key Themes & Timestamps

1. Political Entry & Motivation (02:28 - 03:13)

Fiona explains how frustration with the disconnect between community attitudes and government policies led her to enter politics, highlighting the need for evidence-based policy making.

2. Authenticity in Public Life (03:13 - 05:05)

Discussion of her unplanned entry into sex work, the freedom of having her "closet door open," and why she chooses to share her authentic self publicly despite judgment.

3. Gender Politics & Support (05:05 - 12:00)

Examination of misogyny in politics, comparisons with Georgie Purcell's experiences, and how colleagues and the public responded to her openness about sex work, including her famous maiden speech line.

4. Cancer Journey & Medicinal Cannabis (12:00 - 19:03)

Personal reflection on battling cancer three times, discovering medicinal cannabis during chemotherapy, and how illness shaped her approach to health policy and prevention.

5. Evolution of Drug Policy (19:03 - 21:42)

Discussion of society's relationship with drugs, the historical medical use of cannabis, and the need for evidence-based approaches to drug policy free from stigma.

6. Inside Parliament vs Outside Advocacy (21:42 - 24:10)

Insights on transitioning from lobbyist to parliamentarian, the importance of parliament despite its archaic nature, and how little her advocacy strategies changed once inside.

7. Political Realities & Personalities (24:10 - 30:06)

Frank discussion about the humanity and limitations of politicians, the problem of absenteeism, and the need for stronger codes of conduct in parliament.

8. Progressive Reform Strategies (30:06 - 38:08)

Personal costs of pursuing progressive reforms, strategies for making big ideas palatable, and dealing with opposition from conservative and religious groups.

9. Systemic Barriers for Marginalised Groups (38:08 - 43:09)

Analysis of how stigma and law create barriers for marginalised communities, particularly focusing on sex workers and cannabis users.

10. Compassion & Community Connection (43:09 - 46:52)

The importance of compassion in society, addressing loneliness and social isolation, and the need for more human connection in an increasingly digital world.

11. Business Role in Social Change (46:52 - 52:53)

Discussion of how businesses can drive social change, the importance of engaging with local representatives, and pushing back against anti-diversity rhetoric.

12. Senate Campaign & Vision for Democracy (52:53 - 57:03)

Details about her Senate run with Legalize Cannabis Australia, and her vision for compulsory voting globally as a way to improve democratic participation and diversity.