Yorta Yorta woman Sheena Watt appears set to create history as Victorian Labor's first Indigenous parliamentarian.
Ms Watt, a trade unionist with a background in health and community sectors, tweeted on Wednesday that she had been preselected to become Labor's next member for the state's upper house Northern Metro seat, replacing former minister Jenny Mikakos.
The Brunswick resident and Australian Services Union member was endorsed by the socialist left faction of the party.
Prue Stewart, who works in the office of Aboriginal Affairs Minister Gabrielle Williams, was tipped as the frontrunner for preselection in the Northern Metro seat, but withdrew on Saturday.
Ms Watt's past experience includes helping to manage COVID-19 outbreaks in Melbourne's north as the deputy chair of Merri Health and leading a paid Aboriginal traineeship program as part of AFL SportsReady.
Ms Mikakos quit her portfolio and parliament late last month after the premier told the state's hotel quarantine inquiry her department was ultimately responsible for the botched program.
Her successor praised the former health minister for her 20 years of service to some of Victoria's most diverse communities.
"She leaves a powerful legacy, both as a local member and as a senior minister in successive Labor governments," Ms Watt said.
On Sunday, Premier Daniel Andrews expressed his sadness at Ms Mikakos’s decision to resign but publicly urged his party to choose an Indigenous state MP after acknowledging the need for improved Indigenous outcomes to be led by Indigenous people.
"I have known for my entire adult life that if you are genuinely committed to better outcomes for Aboriginal people, then they need to be led by Aboriginal people.
"I think we've got an opportunity right now, a moment, that is precious, and I don't think we should miss it,” Mr Andrews said.
“We need to do something special, not just business as usual."
