Candy Broad has a lifelong connection with the country.
Raised on a sheep station in far north Western Australia, Candy has never forgotten the exceptional benefits, challenges and sometimes harshness of country life.
Candy’s life has been characterised by an inherent commitment to improving the life of people from all backgrounds, especially those facing disadvantage and bigger hurdles than the rest. From an early age Candy was seeking ways to make the world around her function better so everyone got an equal chance at life’s opportunities and was treated fairly.
With a solid grounding in her chosen studies of commerce and accountancy Candy embarked on a political career as the best way she could find to make a difference.
She moved to Victoria and entered the world of policy development, followed by substantial periods advising on many issues, but especially conservation, fisheries, lands and education. Among policy issues she dealt with in that period were salinity, the highly successful Landcare program and the Rural Women’s Network.
Candy’s connection with the country was heightened in her period as Assistant National Secretary of the Australian Labor Party from 1993 – 1999 with visits to many parts of Australia and a need to appreciate the critical issues affecting people everywhere.
Elected to the Victorian Government’s Upper House in 1999 Candy was a beneficiary of Labor’s narrow success at the polls. In recognition of her well-known strategic and policy skills Candy was immediately appointed a Minister.
As Minister of Energy and Resources and Minister for Ports from 1999 – 2002, and then as Minister for Housing and Minister for Local Government from 2002-2006, Candy has spent significant periods in country Victoria.
Candy is delighted to represent Northern Victoria.
“I am well equipped to represent the diverse interests of people across this wide region and enjoy working with families and communities in Northern Victoria.”