THE newest Victorian upper house politician, a dairyfarmer's daughter, describes herself as Nationals to her core.
Melina Bath, successfully elected to the Eastern Victoria Region upper house seat on Saturday, March 28, joined the then National Party nearly 30 years ago, influenced by her parents.
"You could say being a member of the National Party is in my genes," she said.
"The Nationals are mentioned in our kitchen a lot."
Her election is also unique - she is the first woman to represent her political party in a state seat in Gippsland.
Ms Bath, a Koonwarra resident, former small business owner and secondary school mathematics teacher at Mirboo North Secondary College, will take up her new role after Easter.
She said she wanted to focus on agriculture and engaging youth in the political process.
"Dairy products exported from the port of Melbourne are largely from Gippsland - and other Gippsland produce," she said.
"We have to look after agriculture.
"Our farmers are very good at their jobs so we need to continue to invest in new technology and innovation in crops and pastures.
"There's not a lot of fat to trim to make a profit from farming so research and development are important investments for productivity gains.
"I'm also making a strong commitment to engage with youth.
"I'm going to begin with pop-up forums and ask their opinion.
"Youth are quite interested and passionate about their future and have good ideas so we need to listen to and value them."
Ms Bath joins fellow parliamentarians Jeff Bourman of the Shooters and Fishers party, Labor's Harriet Shing and Daniel Mulino and the Liberals' Ed O'Donohue who, last year were all elected to represent Eastern Victoria in the upper house.
Mr O'Donohue is the only experienced politician, having been re-elected last November.
Working out of Traralgon, Ms Bath will be the only Eastern Victoria representative stationed in a
rural setting.
