General News
22 January, 2023
Faces of represenation
TEN members of Parliament sit in Victoria’s Legislative Council representing Loddon communities. Some were returned for another four-year term at November’s election, six are having their first taste of Parliamentary life. The Upper House voices...
TEN members of Parliament sit in Victoria’s Legislative Council representing Loddon communities.
Some were returned for another four-year term at November’s election, six are having their first taste of Parliamentary life.
The Upper House voices for Loddon communities - towns in the north of the shire are in Northern Victoria Region and those south in Western Victoria - were not seen on the local campaign trail in 2022.
Three will be part of the burgeoning Legislative Council crossbench reviewing Andrews Government legislation.
So who are these MPs and what will they be doing for Loddon Shire people? Can they augment the voice and work of Lower House MPs Peter Walsh, Jacinta Allan and Martha Haylett in advancing the local region? And will they be seen in local towns?
The Loddon Herald approached all 10 with questions on how they would engage locally.
Just over half replied, including new Liberal MP in Western Victoria Region Joe McCracken, the only male in the new lineup.
The former school teacher said: “I haven’t got the office set up yet in Ballarat but once I do I’ll be able to do a lot more. I’m currently working from home, but as you can gather, in the car a lot.”
New Greens MP in the same region, Sarah Mansfield initially thought Loddon Shire was exclusively in Northern Victoria but once reminded that half the area is in the Legislative Assembly seat of Ripon, quickly replied: “Yes of course, Ripon covers part of Loddon Shire. I look forward to contributing.”
Geelong-based Labor MP and Agriculture Minister Gayle Tierney said: “I have had the privilege of representing Western Victoria in the Legislative Council since 2006, along with my former colleague Jaala Pulford, and now with the recently-elected Jacinta Ermacora.
“The sheer size of our magnificent electorate has meant it is divided into duty areas, and the Loddon Shire was in the duty area of Jaala, and will now be within the duty area of Jacinta.
“However, as Minister for Agriculture, Minister for Training and Skills and Minister for Higher Education I have a strong commitment to work with communities to ensure our region thrives,” Ms Tierney said.
Neither Ms Ermacora or re-elected Liberal MP Bev McArthur gave answers to Loddon Herald questions.
New Nationals’ MP in Northern Victoria Gaelle Broad committed to working with Loddon communities. “I have spoken with people from Loddon who raised concerns about the need to invest in local bridges, roads and rail, and provide better access to health care and child care services, and I look forward to speaking further about these issues and raising these matters in Parliament.”
“Our communities deserve more, and I will be ensuring that our region isn’t forgotten by the people making decisions in the city,” Ms Broad said.
Her Liberal colleague, 20-year veteran Wendy Lovell said: “Traditionally the role of the Upper House is as a house of review and includes extensive committee work, however I believe that the role of an Upper House member involves much more than that and includes providing support direct to municipalities and constituents.
“oI am more than happy to assist any constituent who contacts me on local issues and to advocate for local priorities.”
Animal Justice Party’s Georgie Purcell was elected after receiving just 7123 (1.53 per cent) of the primary vote.
She said: “I am looking forward to meeting with the northern communities of the Loddon Shire and hearing what matters to them or issues they are concerned about and taking them to the government for discussion or raising them in Parliament.
“My role is to represent the issues and the policies in which I was elected on, as well as the views of constituents in Northern Victoria.”
Ms Purcell said she wanted Improved access to health care services for regional Victorians, including mental and reproductive healthcare. “I also have a great interest in protecting the wildlife and environment at Lake Boort.”
The Government’s Attorney-General Jaclyn Symes and new MPs Rikkie Lee Tyrell (One Nation) did not have a response to Loddon Herald questions.
Defeated Derryn Hinch Justice Party MPs Tania Maxwell and Stuart Grimley made annual visits to Loddon.
Loddon eyes will be watching to see what appearances the new batch of 10 make on the local patch.