Inga Peulich was a fierce advocate for Victoria's multicultural communities, Melbourne's south-east and the Liberal Party.
A daughter of a parent who suffered under a communist regime, Inga's passion for fairness, democracy, freedom, multiculturalism and government transparency was evident in her 22 years in the Victorian Parliament.
A member of the Kennett Government, Inga was elected to Bentleigh District in 1992 with a 9.7 per cent swing, winning the seat from Labor, having previously served as a local Councillor, teacher and President of the Victorian Parents of Children in Day Care.
A former Vice President of the Victorian Liberal Party, Inga was returned to the Victorian Parliament in 2006 as a Member for South-Eastern Metropolitan Region and as an experienced campaigner made a significant contribution to the election of the Baillieu Government in 2010.
Inga held positions as Cabinet Secretary, Parliamentary Secretary for Education, Shadow Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Shadow Minister for Scrutiny of Government, Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Wastewatch and Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Education and Communities.
In her Inaugural Speech, Inga stated "my election to the Victorian Parliament is a proud and perhaps even symbolic occasion which proves what is possible in this great land of ours. In 1967, the year the seat of Bentleigh was created, my parents, like many other migrants, came to Australia with four suitcases, a couple of small children and very little else. Through sheer hard work, initiative and self-sacrifice they were able to realise their dreams."
With a commitment to community, Inga's life, achievements, career and advocacy fulfilled those dreams by continuing to pave the way for many migrants to our great state.
The thoughts of the Liberal Party are with Savo, Paul, Nena and her extended family during this time.
