"People aren't talking to me about their hip-pocket issues, they're actually talking about what's good for our community and that's wonderful to hear. We have not only a really caring community but a really knowledgeable progressive community. I really feel there's a gap the Greens are filling in this election ... I'm absolutely feeling it in Canberra."

Cahill hopes to "champion Canberra". "A lot of election news is quite negative, or bad news, but I actually think there heaps of good news stories in Canberra and I'm keen to put the spotlight on those."

But she acknowledges it's easy for Canberra to be taken for granted, having the most populated lower-house seats in the country. She hopes the Greens' approach to issues like climate change will appeal to voters from all demographics. "It's not just young people who care about climate change. I hear people talking about the legacy we'll leave our children ... I also hear people saying 'we just want the government to have common sense'."

Cahill says Canberrans have the skills to meet the demand for knowledge, innovation, and science. "People are telling me about the issues they passionately believe in and are actually really knowledgeable about."

While she believes Greens Senate candidate Christina Hobbs has "a real chance" of being elected, she thinks of herself as an underdog. However, she says the redistribution could work in her favour. "There is a gap in the community, people are wanting to connect with me. I think people really are looking for progressive representation in Canberra." With a background in urban planning, she is interested in Canberra's role in the region. "The region is looking to us for services and jobs."