Thursday, 10 September 2026

 Kim O’KEEFFE (Shepparton) (16:00): Standing in this place I have such a strong sense of gratitude – I am not going to cry straight off the bat surely – as I reflect on my journey so far, my working life, the experiences, the people I have met, the communities, my family and friends, all of which have shaped me into the person I am today.

Before I start my contribution I want to say how amazing it has been to have the Shepparton showcase at Parliament – just for me – this week, and what a way to finish up my last few weeks in Parliament, celebrating all that we are and all that I represent. In discussions this morning with some of the Parliament’s staff at the chamber doors about me leaving this place and what my plans were it was suggested that I could have made a magnificent entrance into my valedictory speech: wheeled in sitting on the large cow that is on display in Queen’s Hall. Of course I respect the rules of the house and know that no props are allowed, and we know I am one of the better behaved ones in this place. However, had it been the member for Mildura, I say it possibly would have happened. Had I done it, it would have been spectacular and something I would have loved having on the record.

Today I reflect on my time in this place and the privilege of serving my community for the past 10 ‍years of public service. After almost 30 years in my business, in 2016 I went into public office, elected into local government, where I served for almost six years, including four years as mayor – such a privilege and an honour. During that time my love for the region and my deep care for the people saw a synergy that saw me thrive in public office and service. I saw the opportunity that I had to make a meaningful difference, to advocate for my region and to care for my people. I absolutely found my passion and purpose for the next stage of my life.

In 2022 I was given a wonderful opportunity with the National Party. Once again the Shepparton electorate placed their immense trust in me – for a third time. Following two local government terms, I was given the incredible honour to represent the Shepparton district here in the Victorian Parliament. I was incredibly proud to win the seat back for the Nationals after eight years. It is because of my National Party team that the past four years in this place have been extraordinary and also a lot of fun. The past 10 years of public service has been life changing and the biggest honour and privilege of my life. I am grateful for the belief and trust in me and the many things that we have achieved, celebrated and shared as a region and communities.

It was not an aspiration or plan for me to go into politics or public life in such an official way, but my aspiration had always been to support my community and our region – a community that had supported my family and our family businesses for over 60 years. I truly believe that leadership is not about a title, a position or authority, it is about connection, authenticity, communication, being present and genuine care. My style of leadership is probably different to what has been seen in the past, particularly in this place. I have always wanted to have a genuine connection to people and to the community. I wanted to be the politician there for the people. I love jumping on the barbecue out the front of Kmart, volunteering on the People Supporting People barbecue, serving sausages on a Saturday morning, because you get to be seen, you get to talk to the people and you get to support a wonderful cause. That was something I was already doing well before my public life.

The Shepparton district is such a beautiful part of regional Victoria and a wonderful place to work and raise a family, a place that I have always been so proud of and loved to call home. But what is most special are the people, our diversity and our kindness, and we are a community that cares very deeply for each other – something I have seen time and time again, particularly during the most challenging of times: during the pandemic, when we were the most locked down regional city in the state; during the floods back in 2022; and in recent times, our neighbouring bushfires. So many times I have seen and experienced the generosity, kindness and care of the community. It is often at the worst times you see the best in people: all people from all walks of life and many different cultures across our community coming together to help those in need – a united, compassionate and proud community.

We are a very multicultural community, something that we celebrate and that enriches our community. I am proud to be the Shadow Assistant Minister for Regional Multicultural Affairs, something that allowed me to proudly share the strength and the diversity of my community wide and far. Sam Atukorala, the Ethnic Council of Shepparton and District CEO, is here today. We have worked so closely together. I thank you, Sam, for your support and also for your sincere friendship. I must tell you a story. I was at an event once, ready to arrive, and Sam had got there before me. Sam told people his sister was arriving, and I walked in – a bit of explaining to do there! But that probably tells you a lot about our relationship. Sam is like family. We are neighbours as well, but we have a friendship like no other. Kammy is here also, and he and his Indian community have shared and celebrated their culture with the broader community. Kammy has also become a wonderful, dedicated leader in our community, something that makes me so proud not just for his heritage but for the whole community. He is also a very close friend who has been beside me every step of the way.

When I came to this place I wanted better things for my community – investment in our hospitals, more public and affordable housing, to fix our roads, more police, greater family violence support, improved sporting facilities and infrastructure, increased mental health services and better public transport services, many of which we keep calling for today. It should not matter who is in government when it comes to health care. Whoever is in government should be required to ensure that all communities have completed hospitals with the infrastructure and healthcare services that they need and deserve. That should and must be a priority. GV Health is only half-completed and in desperate need of an integrated cancer centre. This means people have to travel for cancer treatment and care, and families are also significantly impacted when they want to be there to support their loved ones. The housing and homelessness crisis continues in my electorate today with increasing numbers. Housing should also be a priority and a given human right. We are seeing increasing numbers of people sleeping on our streets or in their cars or with no place to call home. Priorities must change.

It is also distressing to see the level of financial distress that sees people struggling to pay their bills and their rent and to keep a roof over their heads. I am so pleased that we have received some housing for people sleeping rough with much-needed wraparound services – a first for regional Victoria, something I am incredibly proud of – and workers accommodation for our hospital. We have also received early childhood centres and a youth mental health facility. But as I have mentioned, we need so much more investment into the regions.

Many of you know I came from a challenging childhood, and I have shared some of that experience in this place. We must ensure that families have the support that they need, including mental health and addiction support. Family breakdown and separation is a tragic consequence for a family when they do not get the support that they need. My own personal experience made me more determined to help families, children and teenagers experiencing disadvantage and homelessness. We must also support the amazing foster carers and family support services, who are often the safety net to catch the most vulnerable; our community houses, who are there helping the most vulnerable people in need – they must have continued and increased funding support; and also our food relief services, all of which are experiencing extreme, increasing, unprecedented demand.

I am blessed to have six siblings: two sisters and four brothers. My sisters Kerry and Keeli – three Ks, if you did not pick it up, Kim, Keeli and Kerry – and my brother Robbie are here today. They have given me love and support all of my life, and whilst we shared some challenging times we always had each other. Somehow we broke the family cycle of generational disadvantage and family breakdown. I am so proud of them all, not only for their success in life but for the beautiful people that they have become. I know my parents would be proud of us all, and I know they would have loved to have seen me in this place.

During my time I have had the opportunity to meet so many people along the way, whether that be for matters that I have taken to the floor of Parliament or at meetings, community events, on constituent matters, visiting local businesses or through my office door. Every interaction, contribution and connection has mattered. It has been a privilege at my office to provide a space of comfort, connection and care for the community, and I am so grateful to my team, who have always treated every single person that came through our office door with dignity, care and the respect that they deserve regardless of their issues or circumstances. We know it can be tough. We get such a huge range of different levels of circumstances and needs. It can be a heavy load for the team, and that is why it is so important we have the right people.

I have been incredibly blessed to have the most amazing, hardworking, dedicated and caring team. I wish to acknowledge Melissa and Jack from my office, who are here today. Melissa is the kindest and most compassionate person, who has genuinely made people feel listened to and that they matter. Her kindness went beyond the office door, and it was not unusual for people to pop in just to let Melissa know that they were doing okay – something she encouraged. However, there were constant cakes, chocolates and treats delivered because of her kindness and, yes, a few extra kilos because of it. Mel has worked tirelessly every single day. She has supported me during the good and bad days. I have to share that when the power rebate was on, Mel went to caravan parks and places where she was worried that they would not know about the rebate or have access to a claim, putting up flyers on community billboards and calling constituents offering assistance – the same with the recent rego rebate. Between Mel and Jack they assisted over – are you ready for it – 700 people through our office door, which is truly extraordinary. However, we could not get Mel to abide by security rules. The window was often up at the front of office, and she could be heard saying ‘I think you need a hug’ and going out into the reception. I would not change her for the world. We are definitely B1 and B2. Thank you, Mel. I will be forever grateful, and there is no better person I could have had as my front of house or by my side.

Jack has been with me from day one, and his commitment whilst also studying has been incredible. It is a big task looking after an MP, getting me ready for Parliament, keeping me updated and well prepared, while taking everything in his stride and doing everything in the most efficient, professional way. Putting up with Mel and me takes a special guy, just like Jack. We have had so many amazing and fun times together. Thank you, Jack, for everything you have done for me these past four years. You have been outstanding, and I am incredibly proud of how far you have come. I know you have such a bright, successful future ahead. Thank you for your dedication to the National Party as a Young Nat and taking on roles way beyond your age.

I also wish to acknowledge Safa, who joined our office as a casual and is from Afghanistan and studying year 12. Safa has been a strong voice for youth and youth leadership in our community, opportunities for young people and how their voices can be heard regardless of background, culture or circumstances. Safa has only been in Australia for three years, and I am incredibly proud of him. I also want to thank many of my previous staff over the years.

When it comes to my National Party colleagues, they are such a great bunch of humans – a mix of personalities, as I am sure you are aware. We are all different but, do you know what, it worked because we genuinely care for each other. You have been my family away from home. You have supported and encouraged me along the way, and I am so proud of all of you, of how hard you have all worked representing your communities and of your loyalty to this place. I have been led by two outstanding leaders in Peter and Danny. I must share some of my National Party induction. Those that know me know that I do not swear. At our first Christmas Kris Kringle Peter Walsh gifted me with a book. That book was on the correct pronunciation of swearwords and how to put them in the right context. That is a true story. They kept saying, ‘Will you just say the word?’

I wish to thank you, Speaker, for the way you have managed the chamber. It is not an easy task. It has been likened to being a principal with a bunch of naughty school students, something I tend to agree with. I cannot imagine anyone else in that chair. I also wish you well in your future endeavours. I thank all of the staff in this place: the clerks, chamber staff, hospitality team, committee support, cleaners, Hansard – everyone. You are all just amazing. Parliament can be a challenging environment that allows for behaviour that sometimes is quite questionable, and I do hope in the future that might change just a little.

To everyone in this place, I know we all come to this place sharing a common goal to serve our communities and to make Victoria a great state. I have made some great friendships on both sides of the chamber, and I want to acknowledge Emma for her strength, courage and amazing advocacy for MND and for her support of my friend Maxine, who we lost to MND a couple of years ago. Brad Rowswell, thank you so much for your friendship. I have to raise Brad because I had a very close friendship with his brother Brendan. I always told him, ‘Sorry, Brad. Brendan was my favourite.’ A great loss.

I want to acknowledge the many organisations, groups and volunteers who are often our unsung heroes who are there for our community. Azem and his volunteers at People Supporting People support the homeless, those sleeping rough and the disadvantaged. To the loyal Shepparton branch National Party members, your support and belief in me never wavered. To Shepparton branch president Sarah Ross-Edwards, whose father was a National Party member of Parliament for 24 years, your loyalty and commitment to the party continues your father’s legacy, and your belief in me I was so grateful for.

I also thank my Liberal Party colleagues for their friendship and support. And to Jess: you are an exceptional leader. Your genuine connection with and care for people, which I saw in my community, is what this state needs right now. You will be an outstanding Premier.

I thank my friends who have always been there whenever I need them – Sev, Robi, Kammy, Cheryl, Sam, Azem, Collete, Carmen, Helen, Jenny and Alan. There is a saying: ‘It’s not only the people you meet, it’s the people you keep.’ Thank you for being in my corner. Sev, you were my number one most loyal volunteer. You have continued to wear my T-shirt, which was quite hilarious, on your working jobs, and you did cause a bit of chaos on the polling booths by keeping everyone on their toes.

My greatest joy and proudest achievement in life is being a mother to my two daughters Emma and Olivia. I am proud because they have grown into such amazing, beautiful, intelligent, kind and giving women. I am looking forward to having more time with my girls and sharing more fun times and adventures. Life is never dull, particularly with daughter Emma.

To my husband Brendan, you have supported me every step of the way. You have been my greatest supporter and cheerleader and have shown me nothing but loyalty, love and encouragement. You have constantly believed in me and told me how proud of me you are and gone along with everything I have wanted to do. You have been the driver, the photographer and you have come to events when I know you really did not want to. I know I have been demanding at times and sometimes very picky with your photos and have given you short notice when I have needed something, but you have never once complained. How lucky am I. Brendan has been retired for six years, and next month we will celebrate our 40th anniversary. What a crazy ride it has been. We have travelled so many journeys through life together during that time, running our businesses, raising our beautiful daughters and during my time in public office, sharing so many adventures along the way. I know with what comes next we will do it together and I will have your support. But it is also time for some downtime, maybe a holiday, and to spend some time with our family and friends and even maybe a few Collingwood football matches ‍– heaven forbid.

I hope that my journey will encourage others to achieve whatever they want to achieve in life. Sometimes the start of your journey may not be an easy one, and mine certainly was not. But if I can achieve the things that I have in my life, anyone can, and that is a message that I will continue to share.

Finally, thank you to my community. It has been an absolute privilege, honour and joy to serve as your local member in the Victorian state Parliament and the past 10 years of public service, something I will be forever proud of and grateful for. Whilst I may be taking a different pathway, I will continue to support and care for my community in any way that I can. That will not change. Thank you.

Members applauded.