By CASEY NEILL
GABRIELLE Williams hopes to keep Dandenong in ALP hands at November’s State Election.
She’s been selected as the party’s candidate for the seat, with current Labor MP John Pandazopoulos to step down after almost 22 years.
“I have worked in and around the Dandenong area over several years while employed by the local Federal Member (for Bruce), Alan Griffin,” Ms Williams told the Journal last week.
“It is important that Dandenong has the benefit of strong representation and effective advocacy.
“I hope to be part of a Labor government that listens and responds to community needs, creates opportunity and offers greater support for Dandenong’s schools, hospitals and public transport.”
Ms Williams, who’s a project manager for University of Melbourne’s Vice-Chancellor, said it was an honour to follow in Mr Pandazopoulos’ footsteps.
“Somebody who has had such a successful parliamentary career and enjoyed such long-standing support from the local community,” she said.
She said the State Government had “largely neglected” the Dandenong community over the past three years.
“I look forward to working hard for the people of Dandenong and to ensuring they are given a strong voice in the lead-up to the election and, with their support, beyond,” she said.
Ms Williams has worked as an advisor to state government ministers as well as Mr Griffin.
She has experience in the legal and community sectors, working as a lawyer at Baker and McKenzie and serving as a director and secretary of a Victorian disability not-for-profit.
The Victorian State Election will take place on 29 November.
