Thursday, 24 February 2022

Denise Margaret Allen

Mr CARBINES (Ivanhoe—Minister for Child Protection and Family Services, Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers) (09:42): I rise to pay tribute to the former member for Benalla Denise Allen, who passed away recently after a brave cancer battle. Denise was the first Labor member for Benalla in 96 years when she won the by-election in May 2000. She was also the electorate’s first female representative. I was working for the former member for Geelong, Mr Trezise, at the time and while on leave I worked on the by-election campaign with many party members who are now colleagues in this place, including the members for Sydenham, Yan Yean, Narre Warren North and Altona, and of course the Premier.

Local branch members and community supporters rallied around Denise and her campaign for ambulance services, upgrades to Kirwans Bridge in Nagambie, safer roads and funds for bush nursing hospitals. There were many town hall style meetings across this vast electorate, and Denise campaigned with passion and grace. Her empathy and engagement with locals was sincere and infectious. Denise lived her values—her Labor values. I spent the by-election day—a cold May day—at the Merton church hall booth, and there was support there for Denise, as there was right across the electorate. Many campaign workers had been billeted at homes of generous locals who were keen to help. Denise can take great credit for her capacity to bring people together, and her clarion call was a demand for a fair share for country Victoria.

As Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers I also want to acknowledge Denise’s lifelong advocacy for those with disability. She had a deep and personal understanding of these issues, and her work with the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission on the disability reference group was greatly valued. My condolences to Denise’s children Shae, Hayley and Paul. Vale, Denise Allen.