Welcome to the team: Former City of Greater Shepparton mayor Kim O'Keeffe joins the Nationals team led by Peter Walsh in Victorian Parliament.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
In Kim O’Keeffe’s ideal political world, she would be the new member for Shepparton in an incoming Coalition government, but Daniel Andrews’ Labor victory in the state election on the weekend means her task is likely to be more challenging than that.
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In her first tilt at the seat, Ms O’Keeffe managed to topple two-term independent Suzanna Sheed and return the seat to conservative hands.
The Coalition’s dream of taking government was undermined, however, by the Liberal Party’s dire performance in metropolitan areas, meaning for Ms O’Keeffe to get her campaign promises across the line, she’ll need to foster a positive working relationship with the Andrews government.
“(I’ll be) working really hard to make sure that he’s supporting (our region), that the Labor government is working with us,” Ms O’Keeffe said.
“I certainly want to work with the government, regardless of being in opposition. We all need to work for the people.
“You don’t waste time on rubbish. You really put your head down and focus on the job at hand and I certainly want to bring a different lens when I come into parliament.
“The Labor government has to support our regions and our people.”
Ms O’Keeffe said she was excited by the prospect of representing the Shepparton region in Victorian Parliament and, although not yet sworn in, was already getting to work.
“I’m feeling really thrilled that I get to continue to work hard and support our region, and this will be a great opportunity for me and I’m feeling really thrilled,” she said.
“I’ve hit the ground running today (Monday). Already I’m thinking, what can I do immediately?
“I’m not sworn in yet, but for us, I think, as a region, particularly those highly impacted by the floods, we need to make sure people are getting back into their homes and businesses are back opening.
“They are definitely localised priorities, but as far as the infrastructure needs and the broader asks, the hospital’s three-quarters finished, the Shepparton bypass, which Daniel Andrews did commit to during the campaign period, so I will definitely be calling that one out to see what’s next with the bypass.”
Victory: New member for Shepparton Kim O’Keeffe celebrates her win in the state election with husband Brendan.
Photo by
Max Stainkamph
Ms O’Keeffe said she was open to discussions on whether the Nationals should remain in Coalition with the Liberal Party in future and whether it would benefit her party to cut ties.
“I haven’t really had any discussions with (Nationals leader) Peter Walsh or any of the other members as yet,” she said.
“I’d like to have a discussion in regard either way. I’d like to have informed comments before I comment. To hear their views.”
Ms O’Keeffe said the Liberal Party would have to review why it was unable to connect with the electorate when the Nationals were able to.
“Look at what we’ve achieved, and we did the same at the Federal Election. We didn’t lose any seats in both elections and we gained seats,” Ms O’Keeffe said.
“I think being so focused on regional and rural Victoria is a real plus. I mean, that’s the reason I’ve landed here, because that’s exactly what I represent.
“Choosing the right candidates as well. They (Liberals) did have a great candidate here (in Shepparton), whether that wasn’t across the board, I don’t know.
“If you have the right person, with the passion, the community will get behind them.
“I’m sure they’re revisiting some things. Getting fresh eyes in there and new people, I think sometimes people need to turn over sooner than spend too long in there, is my opinion.”
Ms O’Keeffe also paid tribute to Ms Sheed’s work over the past two terms as member for Shepparton.
“I’d just like to acknowledge Suzanna Sheed’s efforts,” she said.
“I worked very closely with her and she has been a great advocate for our region and I’d like to really congratulate her and thank her for her efforts and I know she will continue to be a great ambassador and lobbyist for our region, I’m sure.”
