New La Trobe MP Laura Smyth (right) is looking forward to working alongside Australia’s first female Prime Minister, Julia Gillard. 51660 Picture: Stewart Chambers
By Kelly Yates and Bridget Brady
NEW La Trobe MP Laura Smyth says she is looking forward to working alongside Australia’s first female Prime Minister, Julia Gillard.
The Labor candidate has claimed victory in the seat of La Trobe, saying she expected the Australian Electoral Commission to formally announce her win later this week or early next week.
Ms Smyth will replace Liberal MP Jason Wood, who had represented La Trobe for the past six years.
After hearing the announcement on Tuesday that the Labor Party held power, Ms Smyth said it was “very exciting”.
Prime Minister Gillard formed a minority government with the help of Independents Rob Oakeshott and Tony Windsor.
“The Labor Party has some great policies for the nation such as the national broadband network and education reforms,” she said.
Ms Smyth, 33, plans to hold mobile offices throughout the electorate each month.
She will be based at the Berwick electorate office, Unit 3, 16 Langmore Lane.
“I’ll be continuing as I began, which was really trying to get more active within the community,” she said.
“Health, education, infrastructure, employment and environment issues are on my to-do list.”
Holt MP Anthony Byrne retained his seat for the Labor Party at the election, and said he was delighted his party could secure the numbers after negotiating with the Independents.
“These negotiations were made with openness and good faith, with a view to determining who could deliver stable, effective and secure government over the next three years,” Mr Byrne said.
