Looking back and looking ahead

It was a great progression from my almost six years in Local Government, I had learnt a lot during that time and wanted to continue to support and advocate for my community.

What have you loved most about being the Member for Shepparton?

There is so much that I have loved, to advocate and to represent the region. To be a voice from regional Victoria and the opportunities and connections.

What are two or three standout achievements or moments from your time in the role that you are particularly proud of?

As many would know, public housing and housing for the homeless has been a major issue, not just for me, but for the community. We have had some really important funding including that we were the only regional city to get specialised public housing for people sleeping rough or homeless and critically with wraparound services onsite.

Mental health has also been something that is desperately needed and we have had a youth mental health facility recently completed and opened.

And also, an economic opportunity, I was proud to secure the international Women Economic Forum in Shepparton and regional Victoria for a first time. Showcasing our region on the world stage.

What have been some of the highlights of the past four years?

The highlights have been connecting with the community and assisting with any matters or issues. My office has been incredibly busy and that is what I hoped for. I wanted the community to know that my team and I were here for them and for them to be connected to their local State Member of Parliament. I am incredibly grateful and proud of my office team as you can’t do this job alone.

Was there anything about the job that surprised you once you were actually in the role?

I was probably quite well-prepared to a certain extent, as I had worked closely with both State and Federal Government during my time in Local Government. I don’t think anyone realises or can prepare you for how big the role is, but for me, if I take on something, I’m all in and I hit the ground running and haven’t stopped since.

What has been the most rewarding part of being able to advocate for the Shepparton District?

When you do get funding for important infrastructure and services. Also being the face of the region at events and sharing the success and opportunities of our region.

And on the flip side, what has been the hardest or most frustrating part of the job?

That’s an easy question, the financial mismanagement that has our state in the worst debt we have ever known and the sheer waste of money from Labor in corruption and waste. Thirteen million dollars on machete bins was ludicrous, and of course the personal connection to the then cancellation of the Commonwealth Games costing over $600 million, I find it just extraordinary that they can get away with that.

You’ve spent a fair bit of time travelling between Shepparton and Melbourne. Do you have a favourite Parliament House memory, or perhaps a funny travel story from those years?

Pretty much you just take it in your stride. You are away from home a lot, 17 weeks of the year, but you get used to it. My husband, Brendan likes to drive me, so he becomes the driver. This job really does impact on your family, but Brendan has been so supportive and has made it easier for me.

What is something about being an MP that people probably don’t realise?

I think people do see to a certain extent the commitment, but there is a lot else that does go between the local office, community events and Parliament work. It takes a really dedicated team to keep it all going.

After years of meeting, speeches, parliamentary sitting days and community events, is there anything you’re secretly looking forward to never having to do again?

Read another bill.

What will you miss the most?

There will be lot I will miss, and I know it will be a big change.

What definitely won’t you miss?

Being away from home so much.

You’ve spoken about wanting to slow down, spend more time with your family and have some much-needed self-care. What does the next chapter look like for you?

I will catch my breath after the election and really try to enjoy the wind back for a bit. It has been a busy 10 years in public service and 28 years in my business before that, and I have pretty much been working since I was 15, and I don’t know how I’m going to go to be honest.

Do you have any plans or projects you’re looking forward to pursuing once you finish in Parliament, or are you deliberately leaving the next chapter a little open?

I would really like to share my experiences and journey and hopefully encourage others to achieve whatever they hope for. My pathway to politics has been an interesting one and I have really enjoyed sharing that along the way. I also want to continue to fly the flag for regional Victoria, so I’m not exactly sure yet, but I don’t think I will sit still for too long, but what I hope for is more flexibility and a slower pace.

After so many years in public life, what have you learned about yourself that you didn’t know when you first put your hand up for council?

I learned that taking myself out of my comfort zone was the right decision. Taking on a completely different career in my 50s was terrifying and I could have easily talked myself out of putting my hand up. I had a fierce determination to do the job well that just kept growing as my love for the role evolved.

Being the mayor of our city was also a huge honour. I was never a career politician. I just cared for my community, and I want good things for our region, that won’t change.

I am so grateful that our community has given me these amazing opportunities. That is exactly what these roles have been, all about the people you serve and represent.

And finally, if you could give the Kim who first walked into Parliament in 2022 one piece of advice, what would it be?

Keep doing what you have always done, and that is trying your best. I gave it my all and I walk away knowing that.

Quick questions, quick answers

Early bird or night owl? Sometimes both, but I’ll go night owl.

Heels or comfy shoes for a long day in Parliament? Comfy shoes, as my history in heels is not good.

Favourite local place to grab a coffee or lunch? Can’t pick one as I do the rounds.

Most-used phrase during a hectic day? What is the timeframe on that?

If you weren’t in politics, what do you think you’d be doing? Business development and conferences.

What would your family say is your most predictable habit? Talking to strangers, but I’m allowed to do that in this role.

What’s your ideal day off? Catching up with friends.

And, what’s one thing people might be surprised to learn about you? I used to sing in a band.