THE Wimmera's new parliamentarians experienced the political equivalent of their first day at school on Tuesday.
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Nationals Member for Lowan Emma Kealy said in her inaugural speech to parliament she would never take the electorate for granted.
She said her election signalled three notable firsts.
"I am the first female member of Parliament for the Lowan or Wimmera districts," Ms Kealy said.
"While I have never sought support on the basis of my gender it is a privilege to serve as a role model and leader for young women and to add to the diversity of this place.
"In undertaking this role I hope to give rural and regional women the confidence to follow their passion, to apply for the jobs they want and not just for the jobs they think they will get, to push themselves to be their very best and to always be proud of their achievements and who they are.
"Another notable point is that I am the first non-footballer, either player or club president, to hold the seat in 70 years.
"Perhaps most importantly my succession to Hughie means there is one less Essendon supporter in this place and one more Collingwood supporter.
"Finally, I am the first person from Edenhope to become a member of Parliament at a state or federal level."
Ms Kealy spoke about agriculture, infrastructure, health care, natural resources, small business and education.
"Despite our small population, we still need a large number of public buildings including schools, hospitals and police stations, as well as our extensive network of roads, bridges and rail," she said.
She said the future was bright for agriculture in Lowan, an industry which contributes $921 million to the Victorian economy.
"Trade relations with China, Indonesia and the Middle East are strong and their demand for our premium product is increasing," she said.
"We are in a prime position to capitalise on lucrative supply agreements that will support our region, the state and Australia well into the future - we must not let this opportunity slip by.
"We must do all we can to ensure that we build on our strong agricultural foundations with the right policies and resources."
Liberal Member for Ripon Louise Staley said she had finally found a seat in parliament after four attempts at winning pre-selection.
She said volunteering was at the heart of the community.
"As Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria said in advertisements, Labor policy 'has the potential to destroy the CFA'," she said.
"I call on the government to abandon this flawed attempt to pay off union mates."
Ms Staley drew inspiration from former Premier Sir Henry Bolte.
"We must, as Bolte said, 'prove to the people of Australia that fewer controls will mean greater advancement'," she said.
"It is not enough to believe; we must explain, persuade, prove."