DAMIAN Drum will swap the corridors of Melbourne’s Parliament House for a new role in Canberra after the long-serving politician claimed the seat of Murray on Saturday.
The former Victorian Football League player and Australian Football League coach, who has served in Victoria’s Legislative Council for the past 13 years, claimed the electorate that covers the Loddon Shire after a close contest with the Liberal Party’s Duncan McGauchie.
The 55-year-old replaces the Liberals’ Sharman Stone, who announced her retirement from politics after serving the electorate for more than 20 years.
“I think it is obviously a great honour to be elected; it makes you very grateful to the volunteers and supporters for their efforts,” Mr Drum said.
“The skills used whilst serving at State parliament and in Federal parliament are the same. To be able to last, you need to call on your political capital.
“You can’t scream or bang your fists on the table on every issue; you need to keep the powder dry until there is an issue that affects your area, and then call on support around you.”
Mr Drum becomes the fourth person to represent the electorate after claiming 55.77 per cent of the two-party preferred vote from Mr McGauchie, who was aiming to keep the Liberals’ hold on the electorate for an eighth term.
“I understand that I need to work within the system, but this is where being in government is better for my constituents than being in opposition,” he said.
Mr McGauchie was not available for comment yesterday.
