UPDATE: Labor has selected the first local resident to run for the
seat of Lalor in decades, with Joanne Ryan saying her pick sends a
“strong message” that the party takes grassroots community issues
seriously.
Werribee resident Ms Ryan, who was Julia Gillard’s supported
candidate, says she is “incredibly humbled” after winning preselection on Tuesday night.
The
primary school principal, 51, plans to hit the ground running to ensure
Labor is returned to government at the upcoming election.
“We as a party are going into an election campaign absolutely
united behind our prime minister and everybody’s going to pull together
and work as hard as we can to finish the work we began in 2007,” she
said.
“Ours is the only party which understands the needs of this region.
The importance of getting a great education, improving health care,
support for people with disability and ensuring we get the
infrastructure we need in our growing community.”
Ms Ryan defeated Brian Dunn, of Werribee, and Julie Ann Newman, of
Williamstown, after several candidates withdrew their nominations during
a sometimes turbulent preselection race.
She won the local ballot with 74 of 88 votes cast on Monday before being endorsed by the party’s 100-member public office selection committee.
Ms Gillard said Ms Ryan would be an excellent representative for the community.
“Joanne was born and raised in Werribee and understands the issues that matter to local people,” Ms Gillard said.
“Joanne has a long and proud history of fighting for the region and I know she is committed
to improving outcomes for this community.”
Werribee branch member Ray Cody said Ms Ryan had been expected to win the preselection race.
“She’s well known, she has been a good branch member, she’s local and has worked in the electorate most of her life.”
