Fiona Patten

Fiona Heather Patten (May 1964—) is an Australian former politician. 

Patten was born in Canberra, the eldest of three daughters. Her father Colin was a naval officer, and her mother Anne a Scottish-born public servant. She was educated overseas before returning to Australia to study, graduating with qualifications in fashion design. 

Before entering politics, Patten was the CEO of Australia's national adult industry association, Eros Association. After starting out as a small business owner, she championed sexual rights and health movements for more than 20 years.

She established the Australian Sex Party in 2009 to focus on personal freedoms, and was a member of the Victorian Legislative Council between 2014 and 2022. As an MP, Patten has been credited for playing pivotal roles in achieving social reforms in Victoria, including the passage of Victoria's assisted dying legislation. 

Patten was reported to have promised the first change she would pursue as an MP would be the legalisation of euthanasia. She was a member of the Andrew government's Legal and Social Issues Committee that investigated end-of-life choice; the final report of the committee made recommendations that paved the way for Victoria's legalisation of voluntary euthanasia (Wright, 2017).

(via Wikipedia)

Wright, T. (2017, September 23). Fiona Patten learns the art of the possible in euthanasia lawmaking. The Age. https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/fiona-patten-learns-the-art-of-the-possible-in-euthanasia-lawmaking-20170921-gyltst.html