Victorian MPs sworn in at official opening of State’s 60th parliament
One Nation’s Pauline Hanson has taken aim at the Victorian Libs during the swearing in of the new state parliament, claiming the party is “drifting to the left.”
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Victorian MPs have been sworn in as part of the official opening of the state’s 60th parliament.
The 88 members of the lower house, and 40 members of the upper house, were sworn in shortly after 11am.
One Nation leader Pauline Hanson, tennis star Todd Woodbridge, senators Jana Stewart, Bridget McKenzie and Raff Ciccone were among those watching on.
Former premiers Steve Bracks and John Brumby, Daniel Andrews’ wife Cath and son Noah, and Opposition Leader John Pesutto’s wife Betty were among guests to watch the formal opening in the parliament’s Legislative Council.
Former state Minister Peter Batchelor was also in attendance to watch his son Ryan, who was elected for Labor, as was former MP Ron Wilson watching his daughter Jess, who was elected in the seat of Kew for the Liberal Party.
Bendigo West MP Maree Edwards was returned as speaker unopposed, just the fourth women to hold the role, while Labor’s Matt Fregon was elected deputy speaker.
New Opposition leader John Pesutto, who takes over from Matthew Guy, vowed to work constructively with the government.
“We know that democracies flourish when people’s confidence in people who occupy public office is improved and enhanced,” he said.
“We will be able to do the people watching us proud and show that parliament can apply proper scrutiny.”
In the upper house half the MPs sworn in were new to the parliament.
They included the state’s first One Nation MP, Rikki-Lee Tyrrell and two members of Legalise Cannabis Victoria.
Speaking with the media, Senator Pauline Hanson took aim at the Victorian Liberals, calling on them to “stop drifting to the left” of politics.
Ms Hanson toured state parliament on Tuesday during her fleeting visit to Victoria to watch her first Victorian MP, Rikkie-Lee Tyrrell be sworn into the upper house.
Asked her thoughts on the Victorian election result, Ms Hanson said she was “disappointed, but not surprised”.
Ms Hanson said the Victorian Liberals failed to win over voters, claiming they performed so badly because they didn’t spruik their traditional conservative values.
“The Libs need to stop drifting to the left. You’ve got enough lefties in this state,” she said.
“Let’s get back to the conservative side of politics and start representing the people with those conservative politics. That’s what’s missing.
“We need to have that balance. If you don’t have the balance, you don’t have the debate, and if you don’t have the debate, you can’t find the clear policies that are actually going to drive Victoria.
“You need to have a difference of opinion. That’s when you will get good policy outcomes for the people of Australia.”
Asked whether she believed the Coalition would have been a better option to lead the state than Labor and Daniel Andrews, Ms Hanson took aim at former opposition leader Matthew Guy.
“Under Guy Matthews, no,” she said.
“Matthew Guy, is that what it is? That’s how big of an impression he made on me.
“They’ve lost their conservative values and that’s happening in federal (politics) as well. I’m hoping that Peter Dutton will pull it back.”
Ms Hanson added that Victoria’s financial position was in “dire straits”.
The Greens have also quadrupled their representation, with three new upper house members joining leader Samantha Ratnam.
Former Labor powerbroker Adem Somyurek returned as a member of the Democratic Labor Party.
Labor’s North Eastern Metro MP Shaun Leane was returned as President of the Legislative Council after being elected unopposed.
It followed his dumping from Cabinet in a post-election reshuffle.
The Liberals’ Wendy Lovell was named as deputy president.
In his opening remarks, Mr Leane thanked parliamentary staff for their hard work during the pandemic.
And he urged MPs to be respectful as they debated the future of the state.
The swearing in ceremony followed a Welcome to Country in Queen’s Hall.
Governor Linda Dessau urged MPs to work together for the benefit of all Victorians during the official opening.
“This parliament is diverse, and offers a range of different perspectives which is critical to the functioning of democracy,” she said.
“I trust that you will work together and serve the people of Victoria with integrity and conviction.”
In an address to the parliament’s 128 MPs, Ms Dessau outlined the government’s agenda for the next four years.
Ms Dessau outlined the government’s plans to revive the SEC, and spoke about plans to invest in education, health, and transport.
Earlier, she received a traditional welcome from Wurundjeri Elders on the steps of parliament before presiding over a meeting of the Executive Council.
The parliament’s first question time will be held from 4pm, with maiden speeches also expected to be delivered by a number of newly elected MPs.
shannon.deery@news.com.au
Originally published as Victorian MPs sworn in at official opening of State’s 60th parliament
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