Newcomer settles into the hot seat with a flourish

By Callan Date
NARRE Warren South MP Judith Graley may have burst on to the local scene over the last year, but her first solo foray into state politics has been a long time coming.
The former Mornington Peninsula Shire mayor has had an enjoyable first six months representing her constituents in an area she has had to familiarise herself with.
Taking in Cranbourne North and Narre Warren South and parts of Beaconsfield, Berwick, Hallam, Hampton Park and Narre Warren, Ms Graley has moved into her challenging role with little trouble.
“I’m very fortunate that I have this position. It really is a privilege and I feel very lucky to be the member for Narre Warren South,” Ms Graley said.
The mother of three has already shown her strong resolve by winning two battles to become the sitting member.
Former MP Dale Wilson stood in her path but ALP officials wanted this to change and Ms Graley was headhunted to stand for pre-selection.
“I spent a lot of time researching Narre Warren South and I made a point of talking about myself and not about my opposition (Mr Wilson).”
That position seemed to work with a victory against the incumbent which was soon followed with a win against Liberal candidate Michel Shepherdson in last November’s State Election.
Although coming in for some criticism for not living in her own electorate, Ms Graley says that will soon change.
Plans for her, along with husband Stephen, to move into the local area are being made, she said.
“The lease for the (electorate) office is up in August so we will be moving. I want to be able to walk into work so we have plans to relocate once we know where the new office will be located,” Ms Graley said.
The 50-year-old believes in a core set of values that she has taken through her life as a student, parent, local councillor and now sitting MP.
The former school teacher has strong views on education and the environment – issues that she campaigned on strongly in the lead-up to the election.
“I have a very strong belief in access and equity for all. You can create great opportunities through education and young people can really improve their situation through a strong education.
“It’s concerning for me that many children in the south-east don’t take up further education and training,” Ms Graley said.
She touches on the value of having a Monash University campus in Berwick and the need to continue the push for continued education excellence in Casey.
“We need to get kids to stay in school and hopefully continue to be able to learn in the local area.
“We do have a low rate of students living in this area going on to tertiary education. I think it would be good for this figure to increase.”
Ms Graley’s three children all go to university and the MP would be only too happy for more local students to take up the further education opportunity.
“My children are passionate environmentalists and so am I. It has been my background and I’m keen to develop it even more.”
So much so that Ms Graley cruises around in one of only four government-issued hybrid vehicles to keep her carbon footprint down.
And although a passionate Western Bulldogs supporter, she is quick to point out she shares the same car as AFL superstar and West Coast Eagle Chris Judd.
“I had strong environmental views as a local councillor and I want to bring these into my role as a Member of Parliament.”
Ms Graley has also been quick to make an impression in Spring Street by being elected as a member of the public accounts and estimates committee.
However, her hopes to see the Narre Warren South electorate flourish are top of the agenda.
“My office is always open and I want to meet as many members of the community as possible. This area is growing rapidly and it’s such an exciting time to be a part of its future direction,” she said.