Speaker's
Media Release

Judy Maddigan Elected Speaker of 55th Parliament

Judy Maddigan MP, was today elected Speaker of the 55th Parliament.

She represents the seat of Essendon, to which she was first elected in 1996.

In a historic move Mrs Maddigan was elected by the Legislative Assembly as the first woman Speaker of the Parliament of Victoria.

For the first time in the Parliament’s 150 year history both the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council will now be managed by women Presiding Officers, as Monica Gould MLC was elected as President of the Legislative Council.

Speaker Maddigan said “I am delighted to be elected as Speaker by my colleagues in the Legislative Assembly. This position is a great honour for me and represents a unique opportunity to serve all my colleagues in the Assembly.

“I will promote a professional approach toward debate in the Chamber and I will preside over a chamber where rigorous and frank debate can take place on all issues that are relevant for Victorians.”

“In the year 2003, as Members of Parliament we are faced with complex issues around modern government. It is an ideal time for a woman to be presiding over the parliamentary process in the Legislative Assembly.”

Speaker Maddigan said “The 55th Parliament will be quite different from the previous Parliament. It is an exciting time in politics in Victoria. I am glad to be representing my electorate of Essendon and to be given such a prominent role in the Parliament.”

The Speaker can be contacted on (03) 9651 8575 or 0417 322 053.