Louise Staley declared Ripon's new member

Ms Staley will start her life as a parliamentarian in opposition following the Coalition's defeat.

She said her first task would be to try to ensure Labor delivered on commitments it made to the electorate during the campaign.

"The very first thing is Labor needs to be held to accountable for the promises it they made for Ripon," she said.

"Labor has announced its front bench and I'll be in there straight into the ministers, writing letters, going to see them and putting the case that these projects are high priorities," she said.

Ms Staley said her policy passions were economic development, education and enhancing lifestyle for people in the electorate.

The Liberal Party was aided by a redistribution that meant Labor candidate Daniel McGlone would have needed to achieve a 1.6 per cent swing to hold the seat for Labor.

Mr McGlone received the highest primary vote with 35.09 per cent of the vote, ahead of Ms Staley with 32.77 per cent and the Nationals' Scott Turner with 18.35 per cent.

Ms Staley edged ahead on preferences, eventually winning by 625 votes.

"As the elected member for Ripon I am here for everybody," she said.

"You need to represent everyone. It's a fundamental part of our democracy that people have the right to express their views."

The Napthine Government's defeat made it the first one-term Victorian government since 1955.

The Coalition was hampered by poor performance in seats neighbouring Ripon including Wendouree, Bendigo East, Bendigo West and Macedon.

Ms Staley said her victory was a sign that the Liberal Party was not consigned to future defeats in regional Victoria.

"I think we won a seat off Labor here and it was the only seat the Liberal Party won from Labor in this election," she said.

"I think it bodes well for the future and it says people of Ripon recognise that we had a strong offer and wanted the Liberal Party to represent them.

"I will work very hard to repay their trust."

She joined the Liberal Party as an 18-year-old.

"Politics to me is about a level of public service, something I felt that I could do and the Liberal Party reflects my values and I have been very proud to be a member of this party for 30 years," she said.

Ms Staley has been a grain farmer, company director, involved in a number of boards and food and environment director for right-wing think tank the Institute of Public Affairs.

She grew up in Melbourne but said she 'saw the light' and moved to the country.

Ms Staley, formerly of Willaura, moved to Ararat during the campaign, and will remain based in the city.