The NT Independent is providing you with a light-hearted look at the candidates for the August 22 NT general election. We’re not looking at policy or platforms at this time, but rather at the person behind them.
Our Q&A should help you get to know the humans of NT politics.
Today’s profile is Animal Justice Party candidate for Nightcliff, Shelly Landmark.
Shelley is a human rights lawyer, disability advocate and best friend to her dog Rocky. She has spent the last 14 years working in community justice, and is passionate about fighting for the underdog.
In 2013, Shelley co-founded Australia’s first legal centre dedicated to protecting animals. She moved to the Northern Territory four years ago and plans to never leave.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received and who did it come from?
You never fail until you stop trying. This advice came from my grandfather. He was a miner and an old school unionist who stood up for workers. In retirement, he used to joke that he preferred the company of animals over most people. He was (and still is) my hero.
Tell us something interesting or quirky about yourself.
I’m a massive comic book geek. I collect comics and I have a large Wonder Woman tattoo on my arm. Wonder Woman is about justice and truth so I think of it as a good reminder about how to live my life.
How would your best mate describe you in twenty words or less?
Kind. Funny. Authentic. Easy going. Calm under pressure. Introverted. Always keen for an adventure.
If you were stranded on a desert island and could bring one movie, one album and one book, what would they be?
Movie:Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind directed by Michael Gondry.
Album:Harvest by Neil Young. Heart of Gold is my favourite song.
Book:Animal People by Charlotte Wood.
If you could have dinner with any person in history, who would it be and why?
Ruth Bader Ginsberg, the famous Supreme Court dissenter. She has lived a fascinating life and has stayed true to her opinions and values, even in the face of pressure. She was one of the few women to study law at Harvard in the 1950s and made it all the way to the Supreme Court. I’d love to talk to her over a glass of wine.
A couple of really quick questions. You can give one-word answers if you wish.
