 Moore-Bentley's first novel was rejected in 1890; she published "A Woman of Mars; or, Australia's Enfranchised Woman" in 1901.A Georgist, she joined the Single Tax League in 1901 and was appointed to its council, although she only attended two meetings.In 1903, under the name "Mary Ann Moore Bentley", she was one of four women to contest the 1903 federal election, the first at which women were eligible to stand, although she was not formally supported by the league.