‘Drive and passion’: Edwina Andrew picked as Labor candidate for Herbert

An active member of the Townsville community who was raised in a poor rural household is the Australian Labor Party’s candidate for the federal seat of Herbert.

An active member of the Townsville community who was raised in a poor rural household is the Australian Labor Party’s candidate for the federal seat of Herbert.

Edwina Andrew, senior manager for a not-for-profit organisation, said she grew up “knowing what poverty and disadvantage feels like”.

“Coming from a rural household, this was my upbringing,” she said.

“This is where my drive and passion to shape change in the lives of people in this community really stems from.”

Ms Andrew, a mother and grandmother, said she was fortunate to have been able to access Labor initiatives such as HECS and Family Tax Benefit, “which meant I could take time to study when my children were very young”.

Edwina Andrew will contest the seat of Herbert in the next federal election. Picture: Supplied.

“So, I am proud to be standing as Labor’s candidate for Herbert, because I believe I am the right person to represent my community in Federal Parliament,” she said.

“I’ll be the voice this community needs and I will advocate every day with Herbert’s interests at heart.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said having worked across regional and rural Queensland for more than four decades, “Edwina knows first-hand how important good and secure jobs are to the people living here”.

He said Labor’s ‘Future Made in Australia’ plan would deliver the jobs and security in the regions.

“Through our investment in fee-free TAFE, Labor will help locals develop the skills to be ready for those jobs,” he said.

“Herbert needs a representative with Edwina’s experience and passion for delivering for the community, and someone part of a government that will always put the interests of working families first.”

Ms Andrew is heavily involved in the development of prevention and response services, including working with people involved in the youth justice system, with men who use violence against intimate partners and facilitating services to build strong families.

Originally published as ‘Drive and passion’: Edwina Andrew picked as Labor candidate for Herbert