CATHERINE King is just one election win away from becoming the longest serving federal MP for Ballarat.
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While it's an achievement to look back on fondly, Ms King admits she has had some frustrating moments in the past six years while being in opposition.
"I'm very proud every single day to represent this area, it's my home, I love it," she said.
"The thing I love most is the people, every day people are talking about issues, our community, our economy, world and international affairs. It's such a privilege to be the member for Ballarat and it feels like the first election every single time.
This country needs a government that has a purpose. Politics isn't about being in power for power sake.
- Catherine King
"There's been a lot of achievements, then I look over the last six years, what investments have been here?"
Ms King said she had learned much from being in opposition.
"We are certainly more united and are very focussed," she said. "One thing is that we've never been divided about policies.
"This government can't agree on climate change, energy policy, even same sex marriage could have been done without causing so much grief. This country needs a government that has a purpose. Politics isn't about being in power for power sake."
She said said was encouraged by the changing face of world politics, with the likes of New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern proving a strong and popular leader.
"I think many women are loving the fact the qualities of compassion, empathy, care and kindness are now being seen as strong leadership qualities, which women have known all along," she said.
"You can be kind, compassionate and caring and still be a very strong leader. Both are required to bring people together. It's easy to be angry and create fear and division, that to me is not leadership."
Ms King said her greatest achievement to date was the opening of the Ballarat Regional Integrated Cancer Centre.
She said, should Labor win the election, she hoped the party could restore faith in politics, something she fears has been eroded over the past few years.
"It's a big risk, but I think it's important to tell people what you are going to do, We've been very forthright about that," she said.
"You could say no cuts to school, health and ABC and then produce a budget like 2014, that did a lot of damage, we're very determined that we will not do that."
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