Albury pharmacist Aimee Pearson has entered the race for the seat of Farrer as the Legalise Cannabis Party candidate.
With 15 years’ experience working across the Northern Territory, Tasmania and NSW, Ms Pearson brings a strong background in community health.
Since moving to the Farrer region from Tasmania in January 2025, she has been immersing herself in the community as a pharmacist.
Through her work, she believes it has given her insight into the barriers regional residents face when accessing healthcare.
However, her decision to stand in the by-election is also personal.
Her husband, who lives with multiple sclerosis, uses medicinal cannabis to help manage his condition, and Ms Pearson also uses it to manage chronic pain.
She said she was running to advocate for fair, evidence-based reform of outdated drug-driving laws, arguing they unfairly impacted people who were using medicinal cannabis responsibly.
“People are being penalised despite not being impaired and following medical advice. These are practical issues that need practical, evidence-based solutions,” she said.
Beyond her advocacy for medicinal cannabis reform, Ms Pearson is also concerned about broader issues affecting the region.
“Access to healthcare remains a major issue across Farrer, with long wait times and limited services outside larger centres,” she said.
“Water security is another ongoing concern, particularly for farmers and regional communities. We need to look at more sustainable options, including supporting crops like hemp that use less water.”
Acknowledging the difficulty in attracting and retaining health professionals in regional areas, Ms Pearson said she would support the proposed private hospital in Moama.
“Investment in new infrastructure can help create opportunities and improve access to care,” she said.
“I would support initiatives like this where they strengthen local health services and deliver real benefits to the community.”
If elected, she hopes to remain closely connected with communities across Farrer, prioritising regular travel and engagement.
“Making sure people feel heard and represented is essential to delivering outcomes that reflect the needs of the whole region,” she said.
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