Career
Short was elected on 17 March 2001 at a by-election following the resignation of John Moore in what was normally a safe Liberal seat. She was unable to retain the seat and lost to the Liberal candidate at the general election in October 2001. Short holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Masters of Health Planning, and is a registered dental therapist.
She then helped establish Australia"s first new Dental School in 57 years at Griffith University on the Gold Coast.
Leonie is also completing her Doctor of Philosophy studies in assessing the quality of clinical assessment in oral health therapy education in Australia. She has published several articles in academic and medical journals.