The outspoken Tasmanian Senator discusses her final day on earth…
Who inspires you?
My Dad and my Mum – life wasn’t easy for either of them and they did their best for us. We always felt loved.
What do you know now that you didn’t know at 25?
That I should have stopped complaining about the size of my arse by the age of 25 – looking back, my arse was amazing!
What’s one thing people would be surprised to know about Jacqui Lambie?
I’m good at numbers. Always was.
You’re a favourite on MAXIM’s HOT 100 list each year, most recently at #98 in 2019, why do you think you resonate so much with our readers?
Number 98? I’m complimented and crushed – I’m clearly not doing enough right. Why aren’t I higher on the list? Do you need me to put more cash in the envelope?
To whom on Earth do you owe an apology and why?
I’d like to apologise to the police officers who gave me a pass when I was 15, drunk and had exploded a bottle of Spumante under their cop car – accidentally, I might add. But yeah, naughty!
As an army veteran, you’re a huge champion for the rights and welfare of veterans. Why do you believe we need a Royal Commission into the Department of Veteran’s Affairs?
Veterans are killing themselves at the rate of one a week – it may well be more. That’s simply unacceptable. We’ve had inquiry after inquiry, most of the recommendations aren’t implemented and the Prime Minister’s idea of a rolling commissioner is just the DVA and Defence policing themselves. No more pussyfooting around – we need a Royal Commission. And reach out to veterans in your own lives, ask them if they’re doing OK, don’t assume that because someone doesn’t have injuries on the outside, they’re not damaged. Lest we forget!
What will it say on your tombstone?
Never say die! My favourite is Spike Milligan’s – “I told you I was ill.”
Finally, what’s one thing everyone should do on a trip to Tassie?
Now you’re trying to get me into trouble – I can’t choose a favourite spot. Tasmanians are very passionate about the whole Island and I want to be re-elected you know?! Honestly, the whole place is pretty bloody special.
For resources and details of her campaign to support veterans, go to lambienetwork.com.au
Interview by REILLY SULLIVAN
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