South Australian Makes Parliamentary History
08/04/2010
21 year old Dignity for Disability candidate, Kelly Vincent, wins Upper House seat
Kelly Vincent, Dignity for Disability, has earned the 11th and final Legislative Council seat in the South Australian 2010 State election, as announced by the SA Electoral Commission this morning.
The Dignity for Disability candidate has made Australian Parliamentary History:
• youngest elected Upper House Parliamentarian in Australia’s history
• youngest female elected to any Parliament in Australia’s history
• first person who uses a wheelchair elected into South Australian Parliament
• first Australian Parliamentarian elected on a disability platform
“South Australians have shouted their intentions loud and clear” said Ms Vincent. “People with disabilities, and those who love them, will no longer be silenced. I will be a voice for those without a voice”.
“Dignity for Disability congratulates Kelly on her election and we look forward to working alongside her and representatives from a broad spectrum of disability related organisations” said Dignity for Disability President Rick Neagle.
“Dignity for Disability aims to provide Dignity through Choice, and Kelly’s election is our first step in bringing the often disconnected disability community together to effect real changes for people living with disabilities.”
Speaking of her historic win, Kelly gave pause to honour her mentor and lead candidate, Dr Paul Collier, who died just 11 days before the election, and whose name remained on the ballot due to electoral rules.
“When Paul asked me to run second on the d4d ticket, he mentioned that I wouldn’t have to do much. I bet he’s looking down, laughing right about now. It was Paul’s vision and hard work that helped get me here today. I will do my best to honour him and our constituents.”
Ms Vincent may face many challenges, but she will be meeting them head-on, and her election has ensured a voice for all South Australians living with disability, and their carers.
