Julia Anderson spoke to about 40 women on what it was like to be a wife of a politician.

"When I first married John I was quite politically naïve, so it has been a steep learning curve," she said.

"I find myself constantly walking a tightrope between when to be there for his job and be supportive, and when to be there for the children.

"I see myself as the anchor of the family."

Although Mrs Anderson said she would never enter politics herself, she does have strong views on the running of the country.

"I think we are over governed. Part of the reason there is so much red tape is because we have three levels of government," she said.

"It's a big issue for our country."

She said she would like to see the abolition of state governments and more power to be given to local governments who know what the needs are on the ground.

Mrs Anderson also responded to concerns expressed by the CWA that people are becoming more reluctant to volunteer and take on roles in the community.

"It is hard to get people to volunteer for anything now. We are becoming a more selfish society," she said.

"People are no longer willing to give to something that has no benefit for them."