MEMBER for Mallee Anne Webster says the 2019 Federal Election is all but a memory 100 days on.
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Dr Webster secured the Nationals' stronghold on the Mallee at the May 18 poll, albeit with an overall swing of 17 per cent against the Coalition.
Speaking to the Mail-Times, Dr Webster said she was lobbying in Canberra for several Wimmera projects she first mentioned during the campaign.
"I continue to lobby for upgrades to the Wimmera Intermodal Freight Terminal; I'm very keen to see that forward.
"I have also sent the business case for the West Grampians Rural Pipeline to (Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure ) Michael McCormack's office and I am lobbying for that."
Parliament has sat for two weeks since the federal election and Dr Webster made her maiden speech on August 1.
Dr Webster made health service delivery a major focus of her speech, and said she had since been in discussion with stakeholders across the electorate.
It comes after Tristar Medical Group confirmed that a senior doctor at the Murtoa, Minyip and Rupanyup clinics left the region.
"I'm aware of the Tristar issue and I have an appointment with (chief executive) Dr Khaled El-Sheikh (this) week to hear his perspective on the healthcare issues pertaining to government regulation," she said.
"I've also drafted a regional healthcare reform policy which looks at an integrated approach, rather than the old-school one GP per town that is on call 24/7.
"Our newer doctors have a greater work-life balance, so we need to consider that, and they are also looking for more support in an allied health practice, so I'm very keen to work with Primary Health Networks and Pharmacies and look at the kind of model we need going forward.
"(Politics) is a learning space for me. I'm not pretending I have all the answers, but I'm certainly focused on the needs of my community."
Dr Webster was last in Horsham on August 16, where she announced an $80,000 childcare community grant to Green Leaves Early Learning.
Dr Webster was officially declared the Member for Mallee on June 15 after preferences. It marked the first time the National Party did not win the seat outright.
A total of 12 candidates vied for the seat, including three independents. The Nationals have represented Mallee since the seat was created in 1949.
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Alexander Darling
Alexander has been a member of the Wimmera Mail-Times' editorial team since December 2018, covering politics, business and property among other rounds. He is a passionate St.Kilda and rock and roll fan, and has previously worked as a radio reporter in Port Macquarie and Gosford, NSW.
Alexander has been a member of the Wimmera Mail-Times' editorial team since December 2018, covering politics, business and property among other rounds. He is a passionate St.Kilda and rock and roll fan, and has previously worked as a radio reporter in Port Macquarie and Gosford, NSW.
