‘It’s just so incredible having a Labor Government. It’s so exciting. It’s a new direction!’
Fit to burst, these words spill out of Justine Elliot MP almost before she’s said hello.
As the local member of federal parliament since she defeated the National Party’s Larry Anthony in 2004, Elliot is a veteran of sitting in the House of Reps, but not so much in government.
After last week’s caucus meeting, she is now also the Assistant Minister for Social Services and the Assistant Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence.
Mrs Elliot said it was almost overwhelming.
‘Being in Canberra when we had the caucus meeting and when the Prime Minister came in – and with all the new people, there was just such a sense of enthusiasm and excitement about all the great things we can do for the country. And I have the honour of being an Assistant Minister.
‘I am really humbled and privileged that the Prime Minister appointed me to the role.
‘Getting sworn in – everyone was just so keen to get started. You can really feel the excitement of people.’
Mrs Elliot said the country will definitely be going in a different direction than it’s been travelling for the past nine years.
‘There’s the outlook of the Prime Minister – the language that he uses and the way he genuinely feels, and how he acts while being so inclusive. He’s taking the people with us. It’s such a contrast to the previous government – demonising different groups and really polarising. He’s talking about all of us moving forward and being supportive of one another. It’s so positive, and I think people are just so relieved that the Morrison government is gone.’
Mrs Elliot says she hasn’t had a chance to rest since the election, with people across the region wanting to talk about a whole range of issues. ‘I hit the ground running’, she said.
‘We have a series of election commitments – we are very keen to get those rolled out once everything’s established’.
Mrs Elliot said she would be in meetings over the next few weeks to work out what her specific roles will be.
‘I have a huge interest in all of those areas, particularly with Social Services and the Prevention of Family Violence.
‘For Social Services, getting rid of the cashless debit card is just incredible. That card destroys people’s lives, and the prevention of family violence, this is an issue that I’ve always been really committed to.’
She also said that even though she enjoys campaigning, she’s glad it’s over. ‘It is absolutely tireing work, but it’s very important’.
Contest of ideas
‘We’re talking about a contest of ideas, talking about changing the government and it is relentless. That’s something I’ve acknowledged in all the other candidates who ran, and their time and commitment. That’s the good thing about living in a democracy like we do.
‘We had ten candidates from a whole range of parties and issues and everybody was out there, putting forward their views. That’s the system we have, which is great.’
With the federal ICAC being one of the major issues in 2022, the question on many people’s lips is: when?
‘Anthony Albanese has said that we will have the legislation introduced by the end of the year, he made that commitment during the election.’
Elliot said there is so much to do. On the day we spoke, she was dealing with some local issues. ‘I’m chasing up a few things – individuals and housing concerns, and then also working with Amanda Rishworth, the senior Minister for Social Services, to have an initial discussion about what exactly will be in my portfolio and what areas I’ll be focusing on – it’s just go, go, go!
‘You can’t waste any day in government!’
And what would Mungo MacCallum have said about Labor being back in government?
‘I reckon he’d say: “We can send the white smoke up the chimney now”.’
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