Cynthia Lui facts for kids

Cynthia Lillian Lui, born on February 17, 1977, is an Australian politician. She was a member of the Queensland Parliament, representing the area called Cook. She served from 2017 to 2024. Cynthia Lui made history as the very first Torres Strait Islander person to be elected to any parliament in Australia.

Who is Cynthia Lui?

Cynthia Lui is an important figure in Australian politics. She was a member of the Queensland Legislative Assembly. This is the main group of people who make laws for the state of Queensland. She was part of the Labor Party.

Early Life and Background

Cynthia Lui was born on Thursday Island in Queensland, Australia. Her family comes from Yam Island. This island is located in the Torres Strait. The Torres Strait is a group of islands between Australia and Papua New Guinea. People from these islands are known as Torres Strait Islanders.

Before becoming a politician, Cynthia worked as a community worker. She helped people in the city of Cairns. Her work involved supporting local communities. She worked hard to become a representative for the Cook area.

Making History in Politics

In 2017, Cynthia Lui achieved something amazing. She was elected as the Member for Cook. This made her the first ever Torres Strait Islander to be elected to any parliament in Australia. This was a very important moment for Indigenous Australians.

When a new member joins parliament, they often give a "maiden speech." This is their first official speech. Cynthia Lui gave her maiden speech in the Queensland Parliament on February 15, 2018. It was a chance for her to share her goals and ideas.

What is the Queensland Parliament?

The Queensland Parliament is where laws are made for the state of Queensland. It is also called the Queensland Legislative Assembly. Members of Parliament, like Cynthia Lui, are elected by the people. They represent different areas, called "electoral districts." Cynthia Lui represented the electoral district of Cook.

These elected members discuss important issues. They vote on new laws. They also make sure the government is doing its job well. Being a Member of Parliament (MP) is a big responsibility.

Her Work as an MP

As an MP for Cook, Cynthia Lui worked for the people in her area. This area includes many different communities. Her role was to bring their concerns to the parliament. She helped to make decisions that would benefit her community.

She served as a Member of the Queensland Legislative Assembly until 2024. Her work helped to show the importance of diverse voices in government.