Having started her career in journalism and communications in 1980 while studying media at the University of Southern Queensland, Julie has a Bachelor of Communication from University of Canberra, where she graduated in 2002 as a mature age student and recipient of the university's highest undergraduate award, the Herbert Burton Medal. Over the decades, Julie has worked in newspapers, the Australian Public Service and the university sectors, and since 2009 has been founding editor of Canberra Weekly, a media company owned by the Samaras family.