The last few weeks have been very tough for our family. There is no secret that many have made presumptive judgements about me, even though no official claims have been made. So far all that has happened is that a State Government agency has asked me a series of questions about a private bank account I hold.

According to some in public life, those questions are enough to have me vilified and cast to the wolves. To others it shows the reality of politics; it’s brutal, overtly masculine and unforgiving.

To me it shows that Benjamin Franklin quote rings so true; “Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch”.

They say that every cloud has a silver lining. Since my disendorsment, I am relieved that I will able to spend more time with my wonderful, supportive husband and our two boys.

So what does the future hold for Hajnal Black (nee Ban)? Over the next few weeks I will reveal some projects that I am working on and talk about some of the issues I am passionate about. Most important to me is empowering women to overcome the challenges they face in their respective careers.

Working in the male dominated industries of politics and law has taught me to be tough. My view is as simple as this; women have to beat men at their own game.

At every turn women are hindered in their rise through corporate structures and politics.

Men stick together, and the faceless men in the LNP hierarchy were never comfortable with a woman holding what they regarded as a safe LNP seat (Wright). They were just as distressed, in fact some cried like babies, when Karen Andrews won her preselection in MacPherson. It’s as if all their balls exploded at once.

There is a long way to go for women to get a fair go in politics. I hope that I can continue to provide inspiration to the many women who have called me for encouragement over the six years I have been in public life.

The residents of Division 11 (Logan City) have been overwhelmingly supportive in recent times, to which I am eternally grateful. As always, I will continue to work hard for them, ensuring their struggles are never forgotten after Logan City’s hostile takeover of our idyllic rural lifestyle.