NORADJUHA woman Bridget Noonan has been appointed the new clerk of the Legislative Assembly in the Victorian Parliament.
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Ms Noonan is the 16th clerk to be appointed and was the first woman to serve in the role in the 161-year history of Victorian Parliament. She said she felt privileged to be put forward for the position.
“I just hope I can do the best that I can,” she said.
“I am very grateful for the appointment and I hope to do my best for my team.”
She said her experiences growing up in the Wimmera had allowed her to succeed.
“I was fortunate to have a great education at Noradjuha Primary School and Horsham High School, which allowed me to study a Bachelor of Arts with a major in politics at the University of Melbourne,” she said.
“Growing up in a small town, I learnt to get along with a range of people and their views – which is essential in my line of work.”
She said taking advantage of opportunities that were presented to her allowed her to have a successful and rewarding career.
“Parliament is an interesting line of work, but nobody grows up thinking, ‘I’m going to be a clerk’,” she said.
“I was unsure on what I wanted to do.
“But an opportunity came available in 1999 and I found that I loved it.”
Now the head of the department, Noonan said people with aspirations should grab opportunities when they arise.
“I would encourage everyone to take advantage of opportunities when they find them,” she said.
“People might not be ready for them, but take the opportunity when they arise and be open to new experiences.”
Ms Noonan said most people did not realise the role of parliamentary officers.
“We are completely apolitical. We don’t work for politicians or parties individually, but for parliament as a whole,” she said.
As the clerk in the Legislative Assembly, Ms Noonan will advise the speaker and members of parliament on parliamentary procedure.
Regardless of her political background, she does not have any political affiliations and was required to advise equally and impartially.
Ms Noonan will also manage the Department of the Legislative Assembly.