ABOUT ZOFIA PAWLACZEK
Dr Zofia (Zosh) Pawlaczek is a public strategy leader, policy advisor, and former Associate Professor in Learning Futures, with extensive experience leading large-scale workforce and organisational transformation.
Across higher education and public policy, Zosh has designed and delivered major national capability initiatives - including workforce readiness frameworks for major national reforms - as well as directing clinical training and operational strategy during public health crisis responses.
Zosh’s commitment to evidence-based reform is deeply personal. Having never consumed alcohol, illicit drugs, or even standard over-the-counter or prescribed pharmaceuticals, her first contact with cannabis occurred in the UK - purchasing standard over-the-counter CBD oil at mainstream stores and pharmacies to manage Benign Fasciculation Syndrome (BFS). The results were profound - resolving chronic pain and stiffness while settling lifelong neurodivergent sensory overload.
Experiencing such life-changing relief from a natural plant compound sitting on everyday retail shelves sparked a fundamental realisation: the human body relies on an endocannabinoid system, and whole-plant cannabis produces a rich spectrum of cannabinoids that support our physiology - ranging from harmless daily supplements to highly targeted, effective medicines.
This realisation led Zosh to advocate for full whole-plant decriminalisation. Recognising the millions of people living with unnecessary pain, disease, and stigma who could live in far better health balance, Zosh brought her background as a health educator to the cause, becoming an active proponent for evidence-based cannabis literacy.
Combining deep expertise in systems design, regulatory implementation, and capability development, Zosh brings a practical, informed approach to representing Southern Metropolitan - advocating for sensible law reform, health equity, and economic innovation for Victoria.