Mrs Britnell said the new leader of the Victorian opposition, Michael O’Brien, offered her a place in his shadow cabinet.

“I have gratefully accepted his offer,” she said.

“I am deeply honoured that the leader has entrusted me to be his spokeswoman on these key issues that are economic drivers for our state. They are also key areas for my own electorate, which is the largest agricultural production area in the state and the second largest in the country.

“That means there is plenty of freight being tasked on our rural roads – which VicRoads own data shows are the worst in the state and their condition is the number one issue raised with me by my constituents.”

Mrs Britnell said South West Coast was also home to the Port of Portland, the largest wood chip exporting port in the world.

“I already have a deep understanding of the issues and opportunities in these portfolio areas locally and I look forward to learning more about the opportunities and issues other areas of Victoria face,” she said.

“I will hold the Andrews Government to account in these important areas while continuing the fight for vital funding to fix our rural roads.

“I am also looking forward to developing positive policy that will help us move freight from around the state, be it via road, rail or air, to our ports and onto world markets with greater ease and efficiency.”

The MP said South West Coast would always remain her No. 1 focus.

“Through this opportunity, I will work hard to affect change locally and across the state,” Mrs Britnell said.