Allan aiming for re-election

WITH the State election at the end of the month, deputy-Premier and long-serving Labor Member for Bendigo East, Jacinta Allan, is contesting her seat.

She said her goals for the area are the same as the first-ever day she was elected.

“That’s making sure our schools are well-resourced, our hospitals are well-supported, that we’re making the investments in the buildings our city needs like the Gov Hub and Law Courts,” she said.

“Then it’s about making sure those services are provided for. That remains my focus and that’s why most recently we’ve made commitments for new buildings at both White Hills Primary and Huntly Primary.

“There’s challenges with our housing sector so we’re bringing elements of the Big Housing Build to Bendigo and a new housing village for the Commonwealth Games to really leave a legacy of additional homes for our community.”

Born and raised in the area, Ms Allan has been the Member for Bendigo East for 23 years, and holds the Victorian title of equal longest-serving Labor minister, and longest-serving female minister.

With prior experience in parliamentary offices, Ms Allan said she was initially inspired to run in 1999 to “give a voice” to her community.

Despite her many roles and duties over the years, Ms Allan said her electorate always comes first.

“I’ve been blessed to have the opportunity to serve the community I was born into, grew up in and am now raising my family in,” she said.

“It’s about continuing to make a difference and make improvements in our community whether it’s helping people navigate government services all the way to working on our bigger projects.

“The electorate always comes first and I’ve had the opportunity from the time I’ve served as a cabinet Minister in different portfolios to really see that work through the prism of my local community.”