THE Coalition has placed plenty of responsibility on two MPs representing communities throughout the Wimmera and Western Victoria.
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Ripon MP Louise Staley and Lowan MP Emma Kealy will sit on the shadow cabinet of the Liberal Nationals for the next four years.
Ms Staley has been allocated the lofty title of shadow treasurer as well as shadow minister for economic development.
“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,” opposition leader Michael O’Brien said.
“She will hold Labor accountable for its record high taxes and plans for the biggest debt binge in Victorian history.”
Ms Kealy will continue to serve as the shadow minister for mental health and shadow minister for women, while also picking up the portfolio of shadow minister for the prevention of family violence. She said all her portfolios fit well together.
"It's always great to have the chance to participate in the shadow government, and it's good for our local community to have someone in these roles representing them on the issues that matter the most," she said.
Ms Kealy said she hoped to address the impacts family violence had on the Wimmera's families through her new role.
"Family violence doesn't discriminate and it can affect anyone, no matter their age or socio-economic background," she said.
"It occurs far too often in our region. Through the horrific statistics that we've seen, it's important that this issue gets the attention it needs."
She said mental health was also a very significant issue in the Wimmera.
"It has been underfunded across the sector over the last few years. We need to see more support for early diagnosis, to relieve the pressure of the acute sector," she said.
"That way it takes the pressures off the community, and the individual and their family. While it's fantastic that a Royal Commission into mental health is happening, we want to see funding now, not in a few years when the results come out."
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