New federal MP Dr Monique Ryan said she was warned her curly hair could be a political liability as she campaigned to unseat former Treasurer Josh Frydenberg. 

The paediatric neurologist, who as one of the so-called ‘teal’ independents ended up defeating him by 6000 votes, has already made a name for herself in Canberra after telling Opposition hecklers to “put your masks on” while she was speaking on the health risks of repeated COVID-19 infections. 

In an interview with Four Corners on the ABC, Dr Ryan described all the ‘teal’ independents as “alpha females” but said she was still caught off guard by the personal nature of politics. 

“When you stand for politics, people feel very free to make comments about all aspects of your personal appearance.