Dunkley’s fresh face in Canberra

Jodie Belyea, the recently elected Dunkley federal Labor MP, speaks to Sarah Halfpenny about her vision for the community, key priorities, and plans to drive positive change.

Congratulations on your election. What are your initial priorities as you transition into this role?

Setting the team up and getting my legs under the desk in Frankston and in Canberra. Getting sworn in and giving my first speech. Learning the ropes in terms of protocols for being in the chamber. My key priority is to get out and about and talk to locals, to listen to their concerns, their issues and their suggestions to make this electorate a better place to live, work and play. I will continue to be a voice for Dunkley on the cost of living and will work with my state and council colleagues to deliver much-needed infrastructure projects, and ensure everyone is aware of the great initiatives of the Labor government, like cheaper child care, the Frankston Primary Priority Care Centre, fee-free TAFE, and cheaper medicines. Over the campaign, during my conversations on polling booths, key issues that locals spoke to me about were cost of living, youth crime, homelessness, wellbeing, and affordable and social housing.

How do you plan to engage with and represent the interests of those who may not have voted for you, particularly in areas such as Mount Eliza where there was strong support for the Liberal candidate?

Over the campaign I worked with the Emil Madsen Reserve sporting clubs to ensure the $15 million federal funding is used to support the development of the facilities for all clubs. I also advocated for an extension of funding for the Mount Eliza Secondary College science and learning centre. I will work hard to build relationships with residents and organisations in Mount Eliza, to understand what is important to voters and how I can support the community.

In light of your friendship and collaboration with the late Peta Murphy, how do you plan to honour her legacy and continue the work she started in Dunkley? Are there specific initiatives you aim to carry forward?

I will reignite the Louisa Dunkley Network in honour of Peta and Louisa Dunkley. The focus of the network will be on providing women and girls with regular opportunities to connect, learn and lead, to be inspired and empowered to live life to their full potential and make contributions to Dunkley. Peta worked tirelessly on the online gambling review. I will champion the recommendations of Peta Murphy’s You Win Some, You Lose More report on gambling harm, advocating to government for a phased ban on sports gambling advertising.

Dunkley, like many other regions, faces challenges related to environmental sustainability, climate change and housing. What actions do you propose to mitigate these challenges and ensure a sustainable future for the electorate?

I’m committed to Dunkley becoming a thriving community to live, work, study and raise a family. I’ll be an advocate for responsible development within Dunkley, cognisant of the environment, climate change and housing needs. As a designated metropolitan activity centre, we have an incredible opportunity to build a regional centre that meets the needs of residents and business now and into the future. We need to be responsible and measured. Development must ensure our children and grandchildren inherit a built environment that responds to the challenges of climate change into the future. At the same time, we have an obligation to ensure we protect our best natural assets: our bay, beaches, creeks, and the incredible green spaces and parklands of this community.

You have vast experience in community engagement and grassroots activism, particularly through the Women’s Spirit Project, the charity you founded in 2018. How do you plan to maintain strong connections with the Dunkley community while also fulfilling your duties in Canberra? Building relationships and connections is central to who I am as a community builder and leader. When I’m home, I’ll continue to get out and about doorknocking, running street stalls and attending community events and meetings so I can establish strong ties with representatives across the electorate.