MP Maree Edwards will not run in Victoria state election
Victorian state parliamentarian Maree Edwards has announced that she will not run in the Bendigo West district in the November election. Following her decision, the Australian Labor Party does not yet have endorsed candidates in two Bendigo districts — Bendigo West and Bendigo East, ABC News Australia reports.
Edwards served in parliament for nearly 16 years. She became the first woman to represent Bendigo West, as well as the fourth woman to serve as Speaker of the Victorian Legislative Assembly.
Decision to end her career
The politician said she had long been considering ending her political career after the death of her husband, Steve Kolotilo, last year. According to her, changes in the Victorian government over the past few weeks delayed her plans.
Edwards denied that her decision was linked to the change in the state leadership. Earlier this month, her colleague and close party ally, Bendigo East MP Jacinta Allan, also announced that she was leaving politics. Allan stepped down as Victoria's premier, making way for Ben Carroll.
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Edwards believes Labor can retain both Bendigo districts and will quickly select candidates. She also said the party would be competitive in the election.
Important districts for Labor
Victorian Nationals leader Danny O'Brien this month announced volunteer firefighter and rescue worker David Hutchings as the candidate in Bendigo West. He is the party's first candidate in the district in 16 years. In Bendigo East, pub owner Andrew Lethlean is running and has been campaigning for several months.
Monash University politics professor Zareh Ghazarian called Bendigo East and Bendigo West key districts in the election. In his assessment, they could become an indicator of sentiment in Victoria's regional areas. He noted that Bendigo West had been safe for Labor for about 30 years, but replacing its candidate less than three months before the vote could complicate the party's campaign.
In a statement, Victorian Premier Ben Carroll praised Edwards' service, calling her work an example of integrity, humility and care. Jacinta Allan, for her part, recalled the support Edwards provided to the Harcourt community after the devastating fire in January this year.
