Carers room unveiled at parliament
18 March 2025
Two decades after a newborn infant made history on the floor of the Legislative Assembly, a new carers room at Parliament House has been named in her honour.
Charlottee Marshall was allowed to stay in the chamber on 18 March 2003 as she was fed by her mother, former Forest Hill MP Kirstie Marshall after a landmark ruling by then Speaker Judy Madigan.
‘Charlotte, you are not the first child born to a sitting member in Victoria, but your presence in the house that day, 22 years ago marked a major shift in the culture of our parliament,’ Speaker Maree Edwards said.
‘Charlotte’s Room’ has parent and carer facilities for all Victorian MPs and their babies.
“ ‘This carers room has been a long time coming for our parliament.’ ”
Speaker Maree Edwards
Ms Edwards calls it a gamechanger, particularly for women members of parliament.
‘Today marks a very major step forward in our parliament’s efforts to support the work of our members that have small children,' she said.
‘It is fundamentally a reflection on our commitment to support inclusivity as our MPs carry out time consuming and demanding roles.'
Euroa MP Annabelle Cleeland is one of five sitting members to have given birth between September 2024 and February 2025.
“ ‘It took courage, persistence and determination to get to this point.’ ”
Euroa MP Annabelle Cleeland
‘It started with an accidental act of rebellion, Kirstie Marshall feeding baby Charlotte in the chamber and two decades later it took a Speaker who was willing to change things to make parliament a more inclusive place for women,' she said.
Fellow mum, Kew MP Jess Wilson praised the present Speaker’s advocacy for the room.
“ ‘We can now say to other women that it is possible to have it all.’ ”
Kew MP Jess Wilson
‘To be able to be in the place where they need us, but we can still do our jobs and represent our communities is an incredible tribute to all that you have done to make this possible.’
The room will act as an important space for MPs of young children as they perform their duties.
‘I just really wanted to thank Kirstie, Judy and the women who have come before us because you have made this possible,’ Ripon MP and new mum Martha Haylett said.
The unveiling was attended by many members of parliament, their staff and Legislative Council President Shaun Leane.
