About Elise
Education
Elise's education was in Hobart at Waimea Heights Primary School and she graduated from year 12 in 1988 at Fahan School. Throughout secondary and tertiary studies, Elise worked in her family's small businesses and volunteered for a number of local charities.
Professional Career
Elise was a senior associate, senior litigation lawyer at Dobson Mitchell & Allport in Hobart from 2004 to 2010. She practised in the areas of employment (industrial relations), anti-discrimination and insurance law.
Elise was also an Alderman of the Hobart City Council (October 2007 - April 2010) and Chairperson of the Finance & Corporate Services Committee (2009 - 2010).
Elise has also been a board member of a number of not for profit organisations in Tasmania.
Elise is now a Liberal Member for Denison in the Tasmanian Parliament, House of Assembly. She is currently the Opposition Whip and Shadow Minister for Planning, Consumer Protection and Community Development (covering child/youth affairs, seniors, multiculturalism, women, aboriginal issues and the Disability Bureau).
Elise is currently a member of the Joint Standing Committee for Subordinate Legislation (which reviews delegated legislation ie. examining the provisions of every regulation) and the House of Assembly Privileges Committee (which considers matters referred to it by the House relating to alleged breaches of privileges by Members or others).
Professional Development
Elise completed a Bachelor of Laws Degree at the University of Tasmania before obtaining her Certificate of Legal Studies. After completing the required 12 month apprenticeship at law (as it then was) she was admitted to practise as a Barrister and Solicitor in the Supreme Court of Tasmania in 1994.
Elise was also admitted to practise as a Barrister & Solicitor in all of the Federal Courts and the High Court of Australia.
She acted for a wide variety of clients from all sections of the community. She also carried out “pro bono” legal work for a number of charitable and community organisations.
Elise mentored young members of the legal profession and participated in continuing their legal education. She has presented seminars for the Law Society and clients on anti-discrimination and employment law.
During her legal career, Elise was also a member of the following committees of the Law Society of Tasmania:
- Employment & Equal Opportunity Committee; and
- Litigious Issues Committee.
Elise was also a:
- committee member of the Tasmanian Bar Association;
- member of the Federal Litigation Section and the Legal Practice Section of the Law Council of Australia.
Elise was a candidate in the 2006 House of Assembly (State) Election for the Liberal Party in the electorate of Denison and was later elected when she stood again in March 2010.
Election to Hobart City Council
Elise was elected as an Alderman of Hobart City Council in October 2007. She resigned on 12 April 2010 after being elected to the House of Assembly.