Melbourne’s newly elected MP, Sarah Witty, recently completed an intensive three-day orientation in Canberra and acknowledges her status as a newcomer amidst seasoned political figures. She candidly expressed to 9news.com.au the gaps in her knowledge: “There are a lot of things that I don’t know that I don’t know yet.” Despite being fresh in parliament, Witty, a former charity executive, played a significant role in the Labor Party’s recent electoral triumph.
Witty’s victory is particularly notable as she became the second female Labor candidate to unseat a party leader, defeating Australian Greens Leader Adam Bandt with 53% of the vote, a significant achievement in a seat long held by Bandt. Interestingly, Witty’s entry into politics was unexpected; she didn’t initially plan to stand for federal office. She had previously run in the Yarra council election, finishing second. The success of her campaign led to her being encouraged to run for the federal seat of Melbourne, which historically seemed resistant to major party contenders.
Initially viewed as an uphill battle, with Labour insiders cautioning Witty about the difficulty of toppling Bandt, she sensed a shift among voters. “I noticed a groundswell of people looking for an alternative,” she remarked, referencing her interactions at local markets during her campaign. This grassroots connection contributed to a 5.7% increase in her primary vote after the election, leading to Bandt’s eventual concession.
Witty’s varied career has spanned several industries, including banking, insurance, and charity, where she notably helped raise $110 million for community housing initiatives. Her recent role as CEO of The Nappy Collective, which provides nappies to families in need, further shaped her commitment to social causes. However, it was her experience as a foster mother that profoundly impacted her approach to her new role in parliament, instilling in her a sense of responsibility toward vulnerable communities.
As she settles into her Fitzroy office, Witty is clear about her mission: to support the most vulnerable individuals in her electorate. She wants her constituents to feel assured that her office is a place for assistance and advocacy. “I think by doing that, everybody’s lifted up,” she stated, underscoring her drive to effect positive change through her new position.
In summary, Sarah Witty embodies the spirit of change, not only for herself but for her community, navigating her new political landscape with a focus on listening to the needs of her constituents and striving to create a more inclusive future.