Bendigo West MP Maree Edwards has been nominated to take on the role of Speaker of the State Legislative Assembly.

She has been representing her electorate since 2010 and has been in the Deputy Speaker’s job for the past five years.

Ms Edwards told the Times this week that she was looking forward to her new role, which she will step into once she is elected by the Legislative Assembly when it next sits on 2 August.

She will be responsible for the smooth running of the Department of Parliamentary Services, and of course for the passage of business through the Legislative Assembly.

Ms Edwards will be the 38th Speaker since the Legislative Assembly began sitting in 1856.

The Speaker is usually a member of the governing party.

The Speaker is an important job that requires in depth knowledge of parliamentary procedure.

“The Standing Orders will be my bible, as well as precedents that have been set by past Speakers,” Ms Edwards said.

“It’s an exciting role, and through commitment and hard work I’m proud to have gained the respect of my electorate and my colleagues, which have enabled me to become Speaker.”

There’s no doubt about it, Bendigo’s State Members of Parliament have been kicking goals in the past week.

Just next door to Bendigo West is Jacinta Allan’s Bendigo East electorate, and Ms Allan has been appointed Deputy Premier.

A long serving MP, Ms Allan holds the Transport Infrastructure Ministry.

In addition to being appointed Deputy Premier, she now has the responsibility of delivering the Commonwealth Games in 2026.

This article appeared in the Tarrangower Times, 1 July 2022.