Albany-raised Louise Kingston makes maiden speech as newest South West MLC in State Parliament

WA’s newest State MP has reflected on the lessons she learned while growing up in Albany during her maiden speech to parliament this week. South West MLC Louise Kingston made her maiden speech on Thursday October 12 at the end of Parliament’s first sitting week since she was sworn in at the end of September. During the speech, she thanked her parents for fostering “a deep sense of work ethic” and her extended family for its support before telling parliament how her interest in politics formed at an early age. “We had only the ABC and conversations — or should I say, Dad arguing with the TV at news time,” she said. “It was always of interest to me. “I became a passionate and fierce advocate for regional WA from a young age as centralisation took hold and I saw the deterioration of regional areas.” The National’s MP reflected on how her father, John Bell, had had a long involvement in the whaling industry as a spotter pilot for the Cheynes Beach Whaling Company and how she had spent time working as a guide at Whaleworld. “Living in Albany and being involved in the Whaling Station was the most incredible upbringing,” she said. “It was tough for everyone, but opportunities were abundant if you worked hard.” Earlier this month, Ms Kingston, who has lived in Manjimup since 2001, visited Albany alongside Opposition Leader Shane Love who announced she would take charge of the shadow regional cities and climate action portfolios. During the visit, Ms Kingston outlined some of the local issues she was keen to address in her role, including housing, the availability of mental health services and the standard of Albany Highway. “Albany is growing rapidly, between 700-800 people per year at the moment,” she said. “Small business is my passion, as I have a small business of my own, so I want to be listening to people in small business to make sure we know and understand exactly what we need to do for them.”