Portfolios for Wimmera reps

Wimmera parliamentarians Emma Kealy and Louise Staley have shadow ministry responsibilities as part of a revamped Victorian Liberalnationals team.

Liberal Member for Ripon Louise Staley, who retained her seat by only 15 votes, will be Shadow Treasurer and the Opposition’s Economic Development representative.

Nationals Member for Lowan Emma Kealy will be in charge of Opposition Mental Health, Prevention of Family Violence and Women portfolios.

Victorian Opposition leader Michael O’brien and deputy leader Peter Walsh announced the new shadow cabinet on Friday.

Mr O’brien said the shadow cabinet would work ‘to hold the Labor government to account for its failings’ and ‘reset the way we engage with the Victorian community to develop solutions to the challenges facing Victoria’.

“While the Andrews Labor government is topheavy with former union officials, our team includes former nurses and health-sector workers, small-business owners, farmers, a school teacher, a police officer and accounting and financial services professionals,” he said.

“New Shadow Treasurer Louise Staley is a fierce advocate for her constituency. Louise brings to this role her 20-year career in finance as well as small business and farming experience. She will hold Labor accountable for its record high taxes and plans for the biggest debt binge in Victorian history.”

Ms Staley said she was delighted to be given the opportunity and looked forward to being part of a team to develop positive, relevant and affordable policies for Victorians.

“I am very pleased to be part of a strong team of Liberals and Nationals from western Victoria. Together we will ensure the needs of our region are front and centre in Spring Street,” she said.

“I know my first and most important role is to be the Member for Ripon to represent my constituents and deliver outcomes for them.

“I look forward to continuing to do so as I take on this state role as Shadow Treasurer.”

Mr Walsh will continue as Opposition minister for Regional Victoria and Decentralisation, Agriculture and Aboriginal Affairs spokesman.

Mr O’brien said his new shadow cabinet team would develop key policies to take to the next election that would reflect the core values of the Liberal-nationals.

“This includes opportunity, reward for effort, the rule of law, environmental stewardship, a strong economy, a cohesive society, protecting the vulnerable, and limited but effective government.”