Gayle understands the importance of communities and has dedicated her professional life to enhancing opportunities of the people she represents and works with.

A constant is the importance she has placed on education, which is integral to thriving communities and economies. She is passionate about equality and creating opportunities for all members of society, and is focused on building opportunities for women and culturally and linguistically diverse Victorians. These values underpinned her commitment to become a Member of Parliament.

As the Member for Western Victoria, she is dedicated to economic development, the quality provision of health, education, infrastructure and community services. She understands the unique qualities of the region and is committed to enhancing employment opportunities and collaborating with industry, and ensuring the government has a regional focus.

Since 2016, Gayle has served as a Minister in both the Andrews and Allan Labor Governments. Gayle is the Minister for Skills & TAFE and Minister responsible for Higher Education (2016 – present), and Minister for Regional Development (2023 – present), having previously served as Minister for Corrections and Minister for Agriculture.

As both a Member of Parliament and a Minister, Gayle’s policy priorities are the access to and provision of excellence in education, training and skills, regional infrastructure, employment, economic growth and sustainability, gender equality, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability.

Before entering Parliament, between 1989 to 2006, Gayle was the first female State Secretary of the Vehicle Division of the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union (previously the Vehicle Builders Union), and also the Federal President. During this period, she was also an Executive member of the Australian Council of Trade Unions.

She completed her primary and secondary education at rural and regional schools and studied Politics and Asian Studies at Flinders University.

Gayle has represented Western Victoria in the Legislative Council since 2006.