Leonie Hiscutt was elected to the Legislative Council on May 2013, as a Liberal endorsed candidate, representing the electorate of Montgomery. Montgomery, after legislative boundary changes in 2017, now consists of all the Central Coast Municipality and large parts of Burnie and Kentish Municipalies.
Born in the small rural town of Elliott, Leonie attended the local district school of Yolla, before attending Burnie High School.
Leonie was a practising marriage celebrant and has enjoyed being part of the special day for so many people. Leonie has been married for 37 years herself and sees the value in this commitment. Leonie is married to Ben and together they had three children. They farm on a property in Howth that has been in the family since 1867.
Her move into agri-politics started when she joined Tasmanian Women in Agriculture. Leonie has spent many years as a member of this group. This group is keen to see women on farms, and their families, are supported and do well. She was later elected as Tasmanian Director of Australian Women in Agriculture and only recently resigned her position.
Leonie was a representative of the Tasmanian Poppy Growers Committee. She remained a member for 4 years and fought for better conditions for Tasmanian poppy growers.
Leonie furthered her interest in the business world when she and her husband moved into the tourism sector with the building of a self-contained accommodation unit, Black Rock Retreat, on their farm. Leonie and Ben joined their local tourism association and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Leonie was then elected as the President of the Chamber in 2010.
Leonie is keenly aware that the bulk of business in Tasmania is small business and she is keen to help business, of all sorts, become healthy and productive. She believes that if businesses in Tasmanian are thriving there will be economic growth and job creation within our community. Leonie believes that Tasmanian has a bright future and is keen to help shape this future.