Dr Talbot entered Parliament in 2005 when she was elected to the Legislative Council as a Labor MP representing the South West Region which covers the eight lower house districts from Mandurah to Albany.

To date, her parliamentary service has included membership of several standing and select committees and she has served as both a Parliamentary Secretary and a Shadow Minister for various portfolios.

Immediately before becoming a Member of Parliament, Dr Talbot held the position of Assistant State Secretary of the WA Branch of the Australian Labor Party. She was also on the staff of the Hon Kim Beazley when he was Federal Leader of the ALP.

She describes her passions currently as progressive politics, riding her motor cycle and persuading young people that democracy is worth fighting for.