For Helen Haines, it felt right and an "extraordinary privilege" to finally be able to introduce herself with her new title: Member for Indi.
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She stood in front of a small group of supporters at the Australian Electoral Commission's Wangaratta office on Wednesday for the official declaration of the poll, saying she felt the enormous responsibility of being elected to replace the "courageous and honourable" Cathy McGowan.
"Nobody thought that we could achieve this victory, no one really thought history would be made in Indi," she said.
"To all of the people of Indi I say to them that I will be the very best person I can.
"One of the things we say in the orange campaign is to 'be your best self' ... that's what I'm going to try to do.
"I have a lot to learn, but I have a lot to give and you can be absolutely certain that I'll be doing it with as much honour as I can."
Dr Haines has started meeting with people and setting up appointments ready for the job to officially begin.
That has also included talking on the phone to crossbench and government MPs, but has not had contact with Prime Minister Scott Morrison so far.
"I haven't heard from the Prime Minister yet, but he's been pretty busy - he's been travelling abroad ... I really look forward to meeting Mr Morrison," Dr Haines said.
Her first priority when Parliament resumes on July 2 will be to make appointments with government MPs who made promises for Indi during the election campaign.
"I've already started speaking with some of the mayors and CEOs across the electorate where those election promises were made and we'll be getting going now to see those projects delivered," she said.
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The elected crossbench MPs are united in their desire for action on climate change and Dr Haines said a joint push on the issue could be expected "very soon".
"I'm optimistic that we have a government that will, with good collaboration, I think see some of the advantages of many of the project ideas that we've talked about," she said.
She reaffirmed her election commitment to support the government's first round of tax cuts announced in the budget, which she said would help spending capability, but wanted to see the rest of the legislation before deciding her vote.
Dr Haines acknowledged her fellow candidates who she said conducted the campaign in a respectful way, especially Labor's Eric Kerr who was the only other candidate to attend Wednesday's event.
"I congratulate Helen on being successful," Mr Kerr said.
"I look forward to working with you and beside you through the journey, making sure Indi does get the best result and outcome from every vote in Parliament."
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