FINN IN THE HOUSE Speeches July 2009 to December 2009

Published by Bernie Finn MP Member for Western Metropolitan Region Acting President of the Legislative Council

277 Hampshire Road, Sunshine Victoria 3020 Telephone (03) 9312 1212 • Fax (03) 9312 4598 Email [email protected] Web www.berniefinn.com FINN IN THE HOUSE Speeches July 2009 to December 2009

Contents Police: western suburbs...... 3 Schools: Closures and Mergers...... 3 Al Gore: visit...... 4 City of Brimbank: Ombudsman’s report...... 4 Education: Keilor Park Primary School site...... 5 Police: western suburbs...... 5 China: human rights...... 5 Autism: schools funding...... 6 Victoria Police: report 2007-08...... 6 Werribee Secondary College: funding...... 7 Charles Francis...... 7 LOCAL GOVERNMENT AMENDMENT (CONFLICTING DUTIES) BILL...... 7 Water: Tarneit supply...... 9 STREET VIOLENCE: GOVERNMENT RESPONSE...... 9 City of Brimbank: government grants...... 12 Government: performance...... 13 Civic Compliance Victoria: infringement notice...... 13 Inspector of municipal administration: City of Brimbank...... 14 Police: numbers...... 14 POLICE REGULATION AMENDMENT BILL...... 15 Rail: Newport museum...... 17 Bridges: Yarra River...... 17 Kindergartens: western suburbs...... 18 LOCAL GOVERNMENT (BRIMBANK CITY COUNCIL) BILL...... 18 Remembrance Day...... 20 Autism: schools funding...... 20 Western suburbs: gang violence...... 21 Matthew Richardson...... 21 Housing: Sunshine development...... 21 Police: Altona Beach...... 22 Western suburbs: government performance...... 22 VicRoads: roadworks signage...... 23

277 Hampshire Road, Sunshine Victoria 3020 Telephone (03) 9312 1212 • Fax (03) 9312 4598 Email [email protected] Web www.berniefinn.com

IN  July 2009 - December 2009 FINN THE HOUSE COUNCIL | Adjournment 28 July 2009 need the assistance of the minister in in this state under the Kennett providing extra police bodies to go into government, but they were not sacked. that area. I ask the Minister for Police Not a single teacher was sacked and Emergency Services to heed the — not one. Every single teacher in Police: western long-held pleas of the people of the this state who left under the Kennett Wyndham community and provide government left voluntarily, and I suburbs the local law enforcement officers might say usually with a fair whack of Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) with adequate resources, including money in their back pocket. There was — I wish to raise a matter for the manpower, to properly protect the not one sacking. attention of the Minister for Police people who live in the otherwise The Kennett government sacked and Emergency Services. It concerns magnificent Wyndham community. no teachers. When members of the a crisis in law and order in the western Labor Party come into this place suburbs of Melbourne. This is a direct and start spouting their lies about result of police shortages — in many COUNCIL teachers being sacked, I ask the house cases a gross police shortage — in 29 July 2009 to remember that, for the record, all the local government areas that I no teachers were sacked under the represent in the west of Melbourne: Kennett government. Hobsons Bay, Hume, Brimbank, Most certainly there were a number Maribyrnong, Melton, Moonee Valley Schools: Closures of school closures, and I recall it being and Moreland. a pretty traumatic time — — Perhaps the area that is most and Mergers Mr Elasmar — How many? affected is the city of Wyndham, which Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — has a long and not very distinguished You have to say that when it comes to Mr FINN — Mr Elasmar might be history of begging for extra police. This hypocrisy and humbug you just cannot interested to know how many, and he has been going on for quite some time. beat the Labor Party. Its members are will probably have to take off his shoes I am sure that the champion of law and sensational at it; they are experts. and socks to get to 20, although I am order in Werribee, Lori McLean, would not going to ask him to get to 21. A In the area of health, prior to the 1999 number of schools were closed. give us chapter and verse on how long election when the Labor Party was the people of Wyndham, and Werribee elected we saw the then shadow health Some of the schools were closed in particular, have been begging this minister on the radio and television as a result of the fact that they were government to provide them with every day — — very small schools and they were not providing the educational adequate police to protect a vast and Mrs Peulich — Chasing ambulances. growing community. opportunities that children needed Members should understand — and Mr FINN — He was chasing and deserved. There were also a some, including the minister, may ambulances; my very word he was. number of schools that had fallen into not be aware — that Wyndham is That was exactly what he was doing. Yet Labor’s $600 million maintenance based on Werribee, and it is a growing since the Labor Party got into power black hole. community of some 140 000 people people have been dying in ambulances Mrs Peulich — It was $680 million. at the moment. It is one of the fastest because they cannot get into hospitals. That is Labor’s legacy in health. Mr FINN — Mrs Peulich tells me growing municipalities in Australia. it was $680 million; I will take her Depending on what day it is it Let us look at today’s debate on word for it. That is a fair whack now, could in fact be the fastest growing education, because that is almost but 18 years ago it was a huge sum municipality, but unfortunately over as bad. I am very proud that I was a of money, particularly in a state that recent years we have not seen an member of the Kennett government, was bankrupt as a result of 10 years of increase in police numbers to keep up because it was a government that Labor government. with the population growth in the area. saved Victoria. If Mr Viney wants a history lesson, then I am happy to give Mrs Peulich — Ten dark years. We are seeing a vast and explosive Mr FINN — Ten dark years. A decade increase in the population, but the law him one. He can take notes if he likes, or of darkness, and I might refer to that and order resources are just not there again from time to time. There were to protect the people who are moving perhaps he can get somebody to take notes for him. In 1992 when we came schools we had to close because they into the area. were literally falling down around us. The government is very happy to take to government the state of Victoria was close to bankruptcy as a result of The only viable option for a number the stamp duty and provide developers of the schools was to close them. It was with permission to build new estates, 10 years of Labor government — the decade of darkness that I have referred regrettable, but that is the fact of the but it is not so happy to provide matter. What did we see? The Labor adequate police protection for people to in this house from time to time. We had to do a range of things in order Party went berserk: it ran campaigns, who are moving into Wyndham, quite it put advertisements in the paper and often with great enthusiasm, I might to bring Victoria back from the brink. Education was one area that we took it went right off its trolley in a way that say, because it is a great area in which only Labor people can — — to live; there is no doubt about that. a particular interest in because as a government we were keen to see Mrs Peulich — Stephen Jolly and a I am sure we will hear from the students get an education that would barricade! government that this is an operational provide them with the wherewithal matter and that it is a matter for the Mr FINN — Stephen Jolly barricaded to get through life, but without the down at Richmond, did he not? He chief commissioner. waste and mismanagement that we That is not so, and I ask the minister is now on the council there, as I had seen under the Kirner and Cain understand. to intervene directly in this because the governments. chief commissioner, in order to provide Members of the Labor Party in this Mr Viney talks about the 9000 state went right off their small and tidy the extra manpower for Wyndham, will teachers that apparently were sacked

IN FINN THE HOUSE July 2009 - December 2009  Schools: Closures and Mergers ... minds about what was happening to a probably be disappointed to hear me called documentary, An Inconvenient number of schools. But what happened say that he does not hold that title, but Truth — the inconvenient truth, of when Labor came to government? he does not come in within a bull’s course, was that it was proven in a It did exactly the same thing. It roar of Joan Kirner, because she was court that the documentary had more continued the program. Here is a mob a shocker. This is a woman who saw holes in it than an old sock — his that was elected on a policy of stopping education not as about teaching kids personal wealth has increased by some school closures. but as a battle of classes and as class 5000 per cent. If I were faced with the As soon as it got into office, it was warfare. She did not see education prospect of making that sort of money, the one that had ‘Closed’ signs out the as being about learning or about I think I would tell a few stories along front of schools. The hypocrisy and the teaching, but about politics. As a result the way as well. humbug of the Labor Party in this state we saw — — Mr Gore has set up a company in the knows no bounds. Mrs Peulich — Social engineering. United States to benefit from President I well remember that one of the first Mr FINN — We saw social Obama’s proposed cap and trade things I did when I was elected as engineering, but we also saw a lot of system. I feel most sorry for those who the member for Tullamarine in the kids leave school unable to read and have fallen for the Gore line, and I can Assembly back in 1992 was to — — write and unprepared for the lives only say to them if they are looking for Mrs Peulich interjected. ahead of them. That is something snake oil, has Al Gore got a deal for them! Mr FINN — Thank you very much, that will condemn her forever as an Mrs Peulich. Back in 1992 I visited education minister in this state. Gladstone Park Secondary College, I regret that my time is limited this COUNCIL | Adjournment which was one of those schools which afternoon, because there are many 30 July 2009 was literally falling apart. It had not aspects of education in the western even had as much as a coat of paint for suburbs that I would like to address, as 20 years. One of the first things I was the educational needs of the western able to do was to go to Don Hayward, suburbs are important and have been City of Brimbank: who was the then Minister for neglected again. Who would neglect Education, and say, ‘This school needs them? It is the Labor government — of your help. Labor has done nothing for course it would and of course it does. Ombudsman’s this school in the 10 dark years it has Perhaps at another time I could go into report been in office’. that in much greater depth. Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I One of the first things we did as a I urge the house to support this wish to raise a matter for the attention government was to give Gladstone motion today. I asked members of the of the Minister for Local Government. Park Secondary College $600 000 for house to put the history books straight It concerns the veil of silence which urgent refurbishment. It was very and remind themselves about what has recently descended over the urgent, because I remember going has happened over the years with Brimbank City Council scandal. As I there and putting my hands through regard to education and remember it am sure the Deputy President would the walls and my feet through the is the Liberal Party and The Nationals, be aware, this has been quite a big floor. It was not safe. In 1992 this was in coalition, that have over the years issue in my electorate. For the benefit education after 10 years of Labor. given education a much better go than of Minister Pakula, Brimbank is in the Sadly, that is where it is returning. Labor ever has and Labor ever will. western suburbs. Some of the schools I have seen in the I have spoken on this subject to western suburbs are getting to a very a number of residents, and that similar condition. They are getting to COUNCIL | Members Statements includes journalists who have tried, a stage where some of them, I have to 29 July 2009 unsuccessfully at this time, to get say, may not in the foreseeable future answers out of the minister’s office as be safe for children to be educated in to where we go from here. There is very or for teachers to teach in. deep concern among many people Sadly, many of the teachers and Al Gore: visit in Brimbank that the government Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) principals who have expressed their wants this Ombudsman’s report to — Since the last sitting week of this concern to me are too scared to go any just go away and that it will then forget Parliament, Victoria has had the further, because they know the tactics this ever happened and move on to misfortune to be visited by possibly the of this government are to bully, to whatever it is talking about next. greatest charlatan in the world today, push, to heavy and to threaten. That is But given the great suffering that the way this government operates; that one Al Gore. The former vice-president of the United States has a carbon locals have had inflicted on them over is what we have come to expect from many years under the Brimbank City the Labor Party in this state. footprint that spreads nonsense wherever he goes. As we know, there Council, I can understand the fear I could go on for quite some time. I is no global warming — but if there and, I suppose, loathing that many was hoping to speak a little bit about was, it would possibly be caused by people in the Brimbank area feel Joan Kirner. We are talking about Mr Gore’s propensity to spout hot air about potentially being brushed out history today — — wherever he travels in his jumbo jet. of the way. I have committed myself to ensuring that this issue will not be Mrs Peulich — She’s still around. We have to ask why Mr Gore would buried by this government. Mr FINN — Oh, no! She is still travel the world in those jumbo jets, around. She is still running the Labor spreading carbon footprints wherever On this day, when the main culprit Party in a fairly big way, as we have he goes, to talk the sort of nonsense he in the Brimbank scandal is enjoying seen in the last 12 months or so. But does. the company of Labor luminaries from around Australia at the ALP national Joan Kirner was the worst education It might have something to do with conference in Sydney’s Darling minister in this state. Mr Lenders will the fact that since he produced his so-

IN  July 2009 - December 2009 FINN THE HOUSE City of Brimbank: Ombudsman’s report... sale of the site to a bidder. and committed to a very difficult task. Harbour, I ask the minister to ensure (6) Are there any zoning It has to be said that policing in the that the people of Brimbank receive restrictions on the use of the site by a west of Melbourne can often be hard the justice they are due. In particular I future purchaser. yakka. ask the minister to provide in writing ANSWER: Mrs Petrovich interjected. information surrounding the role of I am informed as follows: Mr FINN — The police in the Bill Scales as monitor of the council (1) The Department of Education western suburbs are well challenged and his progress reports on Brimbank and Early Childhood Development indeed, Mrs Petrovich, to say the very council to this point. Metropolitan Region has declared least. They are undermanned and I further ask the minister to provide the site surplus to its requirements. underresourced, but they do a great in writing information surrounding (2) The Department is unaware of job, and we are very proud of the work the processes involving the inspector any other Government Department, they do to protect us. On the basis of municipal administration and his council, organisation, business or of what we have heard and seen of investigation of possible breaches of private individual expressing any police in the west, I ask the minister to the Local Government Act at Brimbank interest in purchasing or using the publicly affirm his support for police in City Council. That would include site. the western suburbs of Melbourne. time frames on the investigation, (3) Dates for sale of the site have I further ask the minister to demand who is being investigated and for not been finalised. that Liberty Victoria produce the evidence it claims to have that police what possible offences they are being (4) The Department adheres to investigated at this point. in the Western suburbs are racist and the Government Land Monitor’s are persecuting certain ethnic groups. This matter is most important. There guidelines and instructions which are tens of thousands of people, if not If that evidence is not produced, I are available from the Department further request the minister to demand more, in the Brimbank area who regard of Sustainability and Environment’s this as a vital matter and one that a public apology from this disreputable website. organisation and again show that this the government must pay adequate (5) The Department adheres to attention to. I ask the minister to government and this Parliament has the Government Land Monitor’s full confidence in the men and women provide in writing the information that guidelines and instructions. I have requested, and I assure him who serve us on the front lines in the that despite the best efforts of him, (6) The site will be subject to Victoria Police force. his colleagues in the cabinet and the the rezoning process outlined in government generally, this issue will the Government Land Monitor’s not die. guidelines and instructions. COUNCIL | Members Statements 12 August 2009

COUNCIL | Questions on Notice COUNCIL | Adjournment 11 August 2009 11 August 2009 China: human rights Education: Keilor Police: western Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I have watched over recent weeks Park Primary suburbs with increasing disgust and anger the Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) tactics of the Chinese government as School site — I wish to raise a matter for the it has attempted to intimidate and Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — attention of the Minister for Police bully Australian citizens in Australia. To ask the Treasurer (for the Minister and Emergency Services. Yesterday We are well aware that the Chinese for Education): In relation to the vacant morning I was listening to Neil government is comprised of thugs, land and buildings on the former site Mitchell’s 3AW radio program and to a liars and murderers and has no of the Keilor Park Primary School: spokesman for a crowd called Liberty compunction at all in suppressing and (1) Does the Department of Victoria, which I understand is a left- persecuting its own people. In fact Education and Early Childhood leaning civil libertarian group in this it stays in power by such methods. Development have any plans for state. Brutality is a way of life when it comes the use of the site; if so, what are the This particular individual slandered to the day-to-day operations of the plans. the police in the western suburbs Chinese government. This is a well- (2) Has any other government of Melbourne. He claimed to have established fact. department, council, organisation, evidence that police have been I have a message for the old despots business or private individual targeting gangs of youths based on who run China: Australia is a country expressed an interest in purchasing their race. The implication was very that cherishes freedom; we will not be or using the site; if so, for what clear: that police in the western stood over by corrupt thugs, and we purpose do they wish to purchase or suburbs of Melbourne are racist. This will not be dictated to by bloodthirsty use it. is a foul slander. I was appalled to despots. That sort of thing might be (3) When will the tender and sale hear anybody say that; indeed I was okay in China — it clearly is okay in of the site be finalised. outraged and immediately rang and China — but we will not put up with it. spoke to Neil Mitchell to defend our It will not wash here in Australia. The (4) What criteria will the local thin blue line for a few minutes Chinese government and its agents Department use in determining to just before the 9 o’clock news. in Australia should keep their noses whom the site will be sold. Police in the western suburbs of out of our business. I can only hope (5) Are there any potential uses for Melbourne are hard working, honest that democracy will one day very the site which would preclude the

IN FINN THE HOUSE July 2009 - December 2009  China: human rights... soon come to our friends in China problem, particularly involving sewage — shoplifting, stealing, call it what you and replace those old fools who are in problems. The house might recall I will — 49.6 per cent; the cultivation, charge now. have raised this matter a couple of manufacture and trafficking of drugs, times before. Parents want an exact 59.8 per cent; possession and use date for when their children will be of drugs, 51 per cent; weapons and COUNCIL | Adjournment moved out of this substandard building explosives offences, 43.8 per cent; 13 August 2009 and into the new campus being built harassment, 127.3 per cent increase; at Laverton. Nobody knows when this and other offensive behaviour in will happen, and they would really like public, an extraordinary 145.7 per cent. to hear from the minister when this As the house can see, these are figures Autism: schools will occur. of very real concern. Taking all these matters and a In the city of Melton the incidence of funding number of other matters that these rape is up 22.2 per cent; robbery, 78.9 Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I parents have raised with me into per cent; abduction and kidnapping, raise a matter for the attention of the consideration, I ask the minister, at her 20 per cent; arson, 50.9 per cent; Minister for Education. It follows a earliest convenience and as a matter burglary, 15.7 per cent; handling meeting I had last week with a number of urgency, to sit down with these very stolen goods, 21.2 per cent; weapons of parents of children from both the concerned parents and discuss the and explosives charges, 43 per cent Northern School for Autism and the problems they have raised. There are — and on it goes. In Brimbank, where Western Autistic School. They have a many problems with children with my office is located, the increase in number of concerns about the future autism, and I believe a meeting with abduction and kidnapping offences of these schools and how they are the minister would help enormously. was 77.8 per cent; aggravated currently being run. They asked me burglary, 43.2 per cent; the cultivation, to raise with the minister the lack of manufacture and trafficking of drugs, an academic curriculum in autism- COUNCIL | Statements on Reports 26.5 per cent; possession of drugs, specific schools. They believe that both 13 August 2009 37.7 per cent; going equipped to steal, schools seem to treat autistic children 39.1 per cent; regulated public order as incapable of pursuing an academic offences; 150 per cent; and offensive curriculum. They told me that there are behaviour in public, 47.1 per cent. no publicly accessible figures on how Victoria Police: As members can see, we have a many children have been integrated severe problem with law and order and into mainstream schools from autism- report 2007-08 its breakdown in the western suburbs specific schools, on the success rate or Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) of Melbourne, yet this government on how this is measured. They would — As this house would be aware, I is doing absolutely nothing to try to also like to know how far children with am a very strong supporter of law turn that around. The police tell me autism progress through mainstream and order in this state. The figures they are hard pressed. I have had schools after leaving an autism-specific produced in the Victoria Police discussions with many senior police school. Another point they made is annual report for 2007-08 are deeply in the western suburbs, and they have that the Western Autistic School must disturbing to anybody who shares my told me on a regular basis that it is nigh expand to accommodate children from concerns. To put it in one word, the on impossible for them to cope with early intervention to year 12 — a one- statistics, particularly those relating to the degree of crime they are expected stop shop of education intervention my electorate of Western Metropolitan to control in the western suburbs of as it were — rather than continue the Region, are a ‘shocker’. Melbourne. For example, the incidence current model where kids are forced of aggravated burglary in Hume is up to leave the school after just four years I want to give the house a quick synopsis of what we are facing in the by 39.1 per cent, harassment cases are of education. They told me there is a up 209.3 per cent — and on it goes. mass campaign in the western suburbs west at the moment, given the figures in this report. For example, in the city The city of Moonee Valley is probably for another autism-specific school. the greatest concern, because the They believe their kids should not be of Wyndham, based on Werribee and surrounds, the homicide rate is up 40 homicide rate in that municipality is ending up in local special schools, as is up by a staggering 700 per cent. currently occurring in many situations. per cent; the rape rate is up 17.1 per cent; robbery, 62 per cent; assaults, We have a real problem in the I was told at the meeting that 20 36.7 per cent; arson, 18.8 per cent; western suburbs. I ask the government children were denied places at the aggravated burglary, 23.7 per cent; to get off its tail, do something about it Western Autistic School in February deception, 89.4 per cent; handling and give the community some relief. despite fulfilling all the criteria for stolen goods, 37.4 per cent; other acceptance. The children were turned thefts, 46.9 per cent; harassment, 20.5 away because there were not enough per cent; and offensive behaviour in places to accommodate them. The public, 32.3 per cent. parents believe the Department of Education and Early Childhood In anybody’s language, they are very Development needs to recognise that disturbing figures. this is an increasing disorder, which it Moving down the road a little to the most certainly is, and to increase the city of Maribyrnong, the incidence funding for places to accommodate of non-rape sexual offences is up by these children. The parents also some 35.6 per cent; assault, 20.7 per pointed out that the Deer Park campus cent; abduction and kidnapping, 400 building was condemned a long time per cent; arson, 19 per cent; property ago due to being made of asbestos damage, 13.6 per cent; handling and having a disintegrating structural stolen goods, 99.6 per cent; theft

IN  July 2009 - December 2009 FINN THE HOUSE COUNCIL | Adjournment COUNCIL | Second Reading 1 September 2009 shortfall necessitated a third stage to 3 September 2009 the rebuilding program. I am asking the Minister for Education as a matter of urgency to Werribee make $350 000 immediately available LOCAL to the Werribee Secondary College to Secondary provide for a detailed plan so stage 3 GOVERNMENT can be initiated and completed in time College: funding for the 2010-11 state budget, when AMENDMENT Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I a further $5 million will be required wish to raise a matter for the attention to finish the project. This is a very (CONFLICTING of the Minister for Education. It follows important project for this school. a meeting I had yesterday morning The PRESIDENT — Order! The DUTIES) BILL with members of the Werribee member’s time has expired. Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) Secondary College school council. — As the house is aware, I have taken Members of the council invited me more than just a passing interest in to the school to discuss some of the COUNCIL | Members Statements the scandal involving the Brimbank concerns they have about the future 1 September 2009 council and more particularly of many of the buildings at the school involving the Labor Party in the and to show me firsthand the problems Brimbank area. I suppose if there were they are aggrieved about. a subtitle to the Ombudsman’s inquiry I have to say that I was staggered Charles Francis into Brimbank council it would be and outraged at what I saw. I have Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) ‘Labor out of control’. seen many schools over a good many — Since the last sitting week I was We have seen in Brimbank the years, but I have never seen such deeply saddened to learn of the introduction of publicly funded substandard school buildings as I passing of a former member of the internal Labor Party brawls. We have saw at Werribee Secondary College Victorian Parliament. Charles Francis, seen a municipal council used for yesterday morning. It was proof to QC, was the member for Caulfield in internal Labor Party purposes in a me that time and again the western the other place for only three years, way that perhaps has never been done suburbs are expected to put up with between 1976 and 1979, but his certainly anywhere else in Victoria and third-rate facilities. Quite frankly, as I influence continued to impact upon perhaps anywhere else in Australia. say, I was outraged. this Parliament almost to the time of Mr Barber — That is a bold claim. There was one particular building his death. Mr FINN — It is a big claim. There called the Bristol building which The term ‘great Australian’ is tossed have been some councils about the reminded me very much of the around far too easily at times, but place, particularly in the — — barracks from the television program Charles Francis was a truly great Mr Barber interjected. Hogan’s Heroes. That is not at all Australian — in fact, he was an Mr FINN — The inner suburbs of surprising, because this buildings outstanding Australian. Aside from dates back to World War II. How it is Sydney, I agree, might give Brimbank a his parliamentary service, he had run for its money. still in one piece is anybody’s guess. a distinguished legal career. When Mr Barber — Nobody murdered Another building, the old canteen, is it came to the law his mind was anybody in Brimbank. nothing more than an old shed. simply brilliant. Charles Francis was Mrs Coote — With the emphasis on a man with a keen sense of social Mr FINN — I would not go that far; old. responsibility. It would be almost I would not make that claim either, I Mr FINN — It is very old, Mrs Coote. impossible to count the number of have to say, but Brimbank is right up It now contains classrooms, and hours in his life spent working without there. I will leave it at that. We have obviously students are being taught in pay for the betterment of his state and seen a conglomeration of personal those classrooms. Werribee Secondary his nation. interests, greed, petty jealousies and political chicanery, and that has all College has an excellent reputation, His integrity and honour were been placed ahead of what is right but the school council feels that the unquestionable. A man of such and fair for the people of Brimbank. school is being dudded; it feels the importance might well have been As a representative of the people of college has been taken for a ride. entitled to take himself seriously, but Brimbank in this Parliament it has not Charles — he always displayed That is hardly surprising, given that been my responsibility — and I have a great warmth, friendliness and on 13 November 2006 in the lead-up to followed this with fervour — to expose humour. Those who knew him will the last state election the then Minister what has been happening in Brimbank never forget that. for Education, Lynne Kosky, the former for many years. Prime Minister, Bob Hawke — for I offer my most sincere condolences What has happened in Brimbank reasons that are quite unknown to me to his wife, Babette, and the Francis is the Labor Party has brought local — and the then Labor candidate for family. Charles Francis fought the good government in this state into disrepute. Tarneit, Tim Pallas, visited the college fight. He was a champion, and this As a result of what the Labor Party has and made a number of promises. earth is so much the better place for his done in Brimbank the average person They promised that there would be a having been here. continuous building program until the in the street feels less confident about college was brought up to scratch. That local government than was the case just has not happened. The budget before. We should always remember allocation was meant to cover the that this whole sad and sorry saga is complement of the master plan but the Labor Party at work. This is Labor, was disappointingly inadequate. The business as usual. If you go out to

IN FINN THE HOUSE July 2009 - December 2009  LOCAL GOVERNMENT AMENDMENT (CONFLICTING DUTIES) BILL (Second Reading)... Brimbank, there will be no shortage I am talking specifically about council as bad as they say it is?’. The of people who will back me up on that Theo Theophanous, his brother Dr response was, ‘They put Sunshine and one. Andrew Theophanous and Dr Andrew Keilor together. What do you think?’. As we have established, the Labor Theophanous’s wife, Kathryn Eriksson. That answered all my questions. Party is entirely to blame for this We saw Mr Theophanous get up in We had a situation where the now shambles, this debacle, but I have to this Parliament the other night and Premier came into this Parliament ask: who is most to blame within the declare, hand on heart, that he had representing the former cities of Keilor Labor organisation? Is it the various only ever spoken with his electorate and Sunshine — what we now know components of the Suleyman empire? officer about what had happened in as Brimbank — and now he claims Is it Hakki Suleyman and his daughter, Brimbank, and only barely. I said at he knew nothing about the chicanery Natalie, who was the mayor? As we the time, and I will repeat it now, that or the shysterism that involves the know, Hakki Suleyman was, for his I find that very hard to believe. The Brimbank council and the Brimbank efforts, rewarded with membership of people out in Brimbank and everybody branch of the Labor Party. I have to say the ALP national conference. in this house know the Theophanous I find that very hard to believe. That is the way the ALP works: brothers and Cr Eriksson, or former The Deputy Premier got up and you get caught doing the dirty, you Cr Eriksson because she lost her seat harrumphed and said, ‘Bloody get caught up to your eyeballs in at the last election, were involved in disgraceful’. But of course he knew corruption and they kick you upstairs all sorts of interesting activities up to exactly what was going on. The Premier in the Labor Party. That is how Labor their eyeballs. Mr Theophanous came and the Deputy Premier must take works in Victoria, and I have to say, not in here and said that he knew nothing, their share of responsibility for what just in Victoria either. that he did not direct anybody to do has been happening at Brimbank. Hakki Suleyman’s daughter, the anything and did not even speak to What about the Minister for Local former mayor, has not been seen for a anybody. It defies belief that he would Government, Richard Wynne? Do- while — since her somewhat aborted sit down with his sister-in-law, who nothing Dick lived up to his name: he attempt to become the member for was at the time the deputy mayor of sat on his hands and did nothing. All Kororoit in another place. That was Brimbank, and not even say, ‘G’day of this could have been avoided if Mr part of this whole process. If Natalie Kathryn, how’s it going down at the Wynne had done his job, but he did Suleyman had won the Kororoit council?’. Can anybody believe that? not. He failed the people of Brimbank, preselection and become the member He says that is the case. I do not think he failed the people of Victoria, and he for Kororoit, there would have been anybody is capable of believing that should resign. a fair chance that we would never yarn. The ACTING PRESIDENT (Ms have heard publicly what was going Everybody in Brimbank knows, for Pulford) — Order! Mr Finn’s earlier on behind closed doors within the example, that Dr Andrew Theophanous reference to the Minister for Local Brimbank council and the Brimbank has been into all sorts of things. Government was not appropriate, and branch of the Labor Party. It may be Mrs Kronberg — He has been up to I ask him to withdraw. that the Suleyman empire, Hakki and his armpits. Mr FINN — Which reference was Natalie Suleyman, had a fair bit to do Mr FINN — Indeed, Mrs Kronberg. that, Acting President? with what we have seen in Brimbank. Mrs Kronberg — In that cesspit. The ACTING PRESIDENT (Ms Could it be that the man responsible Mr FINN — In that cesspit he has Pulford) — Order! I ask the member to for what we have seen in Brimbank been more than up to his armpits, he withdraw his earlier remarks. I think he is none other than the minister who has been doing the breaststroke. knows what he said. is with us at the table here today, the Mr Leane — What about Mr FINN — How far back do you Minister for Planning, Justin Madden? malfeasance? want me to go? Mr Madden was the employer — and Mr FINN — There is a fair bit of that Mr Drum interjected. he may still be, I do not know; he as well. Mr Leane can talk to the bloke could confirm it either way — of Mr FINN — Somebody does not who is sitting next to him about that. know what is going on around here. Hakki Suleyman. Mr Madden allowed The people out in Brimbank know Dr his office to be used for the most The ACTING PRESIDENT (Ms Andrew Theophanous and his wife and Pulford) — Order! I ask Mr Finn to outrageous corruption of the political his brother have all been involved in process that we have seen for quite withdraw. this. When Mr Theophanous gets up Mr FINN — If you want me to some time. That use of his office, that and declares he had nothing to do with complicity of Mr Madden, led to a withdraw the reference to Do-nothing it I think we can pretty much take that Dick, I will. Those who refer to him as motion of no confidence in him being with a grain of salt. passed by this house. At this point not Do-nothing Dick — perhaps I can put only is contempt for the Brimbank With blame being cast about, the it in those terms — are, in my view, people evident but the fact that the Premier and the Deputy Premier of fully justified in doing so. minister is still here as a minister the state must carry their share of the The ACTING PRESIDENT (Ms tells us that the contempt goes much responsibility. You have to remember Pulford) — Order! Mr Finn cannot say wider than just for the people in my that when the Premier, John Brumby, that. first came into this Parliament he electorate, the people of Brimbank; Mr FINN — Under what standing it is for all the people of Victoria represented the then province of Doutta Galla in this place. order am I prevented from doing that? and indeed for this very Parliament. The ACTING PRESIDENT (Ms Yes, Minister Madden — Minister That province was largely based on what is now the city of Brimbank, Pulford) — Order! McMadden, as some out my way Again I ask Mr Finn to withdraw the refer to him — must take his share of although formerly it was based on the cities of Keilor and Sunshine. I recall reference to the minister, which he has responsibility for this debacle. now made on a couple of occasions. Could the people responsible be the that when I was first elected to this house I asked a local, ‘Is the Brimbank He knows exactly what he said. Theophanous clan? Mr FINN — It is a very good thing

IN  July 2009 - December 2009 FINN THE HOUSE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AMENDMENT (CONFLICTING DUTIES) BILL (Second Reading)... he might like to solve two problems that we are in Victoria and that I deeply regret that I will not be at once by assisting the Truganina freedom of speech is a thing of the opposing this bill, because in many CFA station with piped water, thereby past. I will withdraw if you are desirous ways it is greatly unjust. I take on board solving both sets of problems. of my doing so, Acting President. I the comments from Mr Theophanous I ask the minister to view this matter withdraw. on Tuesday night. I wish in many ways with great urgency, as I understand the As I said, the Minister for Local that I was opposing the bill. In not standpipe is due to be shifted any day Government lived up to his nickname, doing so, I apologise to Cr Brittan and I now. even though I am not allowed to say apologise to the other councillors who what it is. But he did live up to his — — are having an injustice done to them COUNCIL The DEPUTY PRESIDENT — Order! today. That injustice is a direct result 16 September 2009 May I just clarify that Mr Finn of the shysterism and the chicanery withdrew the remarks in respect of the that the ALP has brought to local Minister for Local Government? government in this state. Mr FINN — I think I have withdrawn three times now, Deputy President. STREET You might care to check Hansard when COUNCIL | Adjournment this debate is over. 15 September 2009 VIOLENCE: The DEPUTY PRESIDENT — Order! Thank you, no. I am happy to take Mr GOVERNMENT Finn’s assurance. Water: Tarneit RESPONSE Mr FINN — The Minister for Local Debate resumed from 2 September; Government sat on his hands. He supply motion of Mr DALLA-RIVA (Eastern lived up to his nickname, and he did Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — Metropolitan): nothing. He could have avoided all this The matter I raise is for the attention of That this house — if he had done his job. the Minister for Water, the Honourable (1) expresses its concern at the Is the responsibility carried by Tim Holding, concerning a matter that Brumby government’s inadequate people like Bill Shorten, the federal was raised with me yesterday at an on- response to the growing levels of member for Maribyrnong, or by site meeting in Sayers Road, Tarneit. violent crime in Victoria and calls on Stephen Conroy, a senator for Victoria, Despite an extraordinary explosion in the Premier, in conjunction with the who are the factional heavyweights Minister for Police and Emergency development around that particular Services, to accept responsibility for who were pulling the strings and who part of Werribee, there are still some this situation and the violence on our continue to pull the strings out in 120 families who rely on a standpipe streets; and Brimbank? Of course they must carry on Sayers Road for their household (2) notes that on 29 July 2009 this their share of the responsibility. and farm water. Their water supply has house referred these issues to the Drugs Mr Barber — They are my favourites. recently been transferred from, or is in and Crime Prevention Committee, Mr FINN — I am sure they are, Mr the process of being transferred from, which is to report by 30 August 2010. Barber. the Wyndham City Council to City Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — If Mr Barber — I go straight to the top. West Water. ever the people of Victoria wanted to know why the Brumby government is Mr FINN — They are in fact running At this meeting locals expressed sailing close to the rocks, all they had the show; there are no two ways about to me great concern about plans to to do was listen to the contribution it. As I said before, the bill is a direct shift the standpipe to Hoppers Lane, the house heard from Mr Tee a few result of Labor in Victoria being totally Hoppers Crossing, which is on the moments ago. Mr Tee got up in out of control. It is deeply regrettable other side of Werribee, some 15 to this house and said, ‘This motion is that we have the bill before the house 20 kilometres away from where it is shallow’. Obviously he has not had his today. I have been approached, as I currently. house broken into recently, obviously know Mr Koch and other members The local Country Fire Authority he has not had his car stolen recently have been, by, for example, the station at Truganina has offered its and obviously he has not been bashed Wyndham City Council, because it land for the transfer of the pipe. It is recently. The many Victorians who is about to lose a councillor, Marie happy to have the pipe on its land and have would not think this motion is Brittan, who I know to be a very will allow those 120 families to fill up shallow; they would think this motion conscientious councillor. She was on that land, and of course it will also is very important. elected just in November last year, but be a big plus for the CFA because it she is also an employee of the Minister currently has no piped water; it relies The house heard from Mr Tee the for Roads and Ports. Obviously she will on rainwater to serve a number of sort of arrogance that Victorians do not be facing a very difficult decision when purposes. The CFA is very keen to like. Clearly 10 years down the track the bill is passed today. ensure that, basically, it kills two birds the Labor Party has forgotten what arrogance can do to a government. I have said to Cr Brittan, Cr Bourke with the one stone, as it were. Some 10 years down the track it has and other councillors from the City I ask Minister Holding to personally forgotten that arrogance can destroy of Wyndham who have come to see intervene to ensure that City West a government, and I know that better me that the responsibility for what is Water gives these 120 families who are than most. There are no two ways occurring today cannot lie anywhere reliant on the water pipe an assurance about that! but on the shoulders of the Victorian that their local supply will remain local ALP; that is solely the place where the and will remain in the general vicinity Mr Viney — Not as well as I do! responsibility lies. We must blame of where it is currently — in Sayers Honourable members interjecting. the ALP, because this is entirely and Road, Tarneit. Mr FINN — Mr Viney did a lot better absolutely its fault. I also suggest to the minister that out of it than I did, I can tell you!

IN FINN THE HOUSE July 2009 - December 2009  STREET VIOLENCE: GOVERNMENT RESPONSE... Ms Huppert got up and said we were Labor Party publicly declared for all the streets. I know that is the case in fearmongering and putting the fear to hear and see that its members no my area; from my own office I can see of God into people. We do not have longer cared about policing — indeed gangs roaming the streets of Sunshine. to do that; people are scared in their they no longer cared about law and Last Friday night I was working in own homes in Melbourne and parts order in this state. my office until about 11.00 p.m., and of Victoria. What sort of a government During Christine Nixon’s nine years I could hear them outside. I have to allows that to happen? The people as chief commissioner we saw nothing say I was a little wary of leaving my of Victoria will tell you that the sort about policing, law and order, and office to go to my car — and this was in of government that allows that to protecting the community. It was all suburban Sunshine. happen is the sort of government that about a wild social experiment, and Yet the former commissioner would should be defeated at the next election, we are now seeing the results of that tell us, ‘There are no gangs’, even because a government that allows experiment — and we can judge very though we now have video footage people to be scared in their own homes clearly that that experiment has failed from a wide number of places of gangs is the sort of government that has very miserably indeed. kicking the living suitcases out of poor completely failed in its responsibilities During that wild social experiment victims who had absolutely no hope of to the people of Victoria. we saw hundreds of police — good, defending themselves. It would be a truism to say that we hardworking, committed police I suppose it is no surprise to any of desperately need more police on the — walk out the door. Police threw their us to learn that the police have been streets of Melbourne and the many arms up in the air and said, ‘We cannot treated in this way. The Labor Party in regional centres throughout Victoria. handle this any more’. Victoria and in other states has never I am glad to say that I do not get out These were police who had had any time for the police. If you go and about too often in the wee small committed their lives to defending our back through the history of the Labor hours these days, but on the occasions community and protecting people in Party, you will find leaders of the when I have been around the streets their homes, on the streets and in the Labor Party and other individuals very of Melbourne at 1 o’clock or 2 o’clock community generally. They just gave prominent in the party who hate the in the morning I have been quite up. They said, ‘I cannot put up with this police, who hate authority and who horrified at what I have seen. anymore’. hate law and order. In years gone by I may have I remember being told that in one Mr Leane — That is a bit rough! frequented the odd nightclub and may week alone last year more than 1000 Mr FINN — I hear Mr Leane well have partaken of a refreshing ale years of policing experience walked chortling away to himself over there on a warm night, but in those days out the door. Victoria Police lost more — poor demented swine! — but I say there was none of the ludicrous out-of- than 1000 years of experience in to him: if he really wants to know the control behaviour that we see on our just one week because of then chief history of his own party, he should go streets today. It is quite extraordinary. I commissioner Nixon. This government back and have a look at people like Jim do not get out during those hours very can say what it likes about how it is Cairns. I am sure, Acting President, often now, but I have been stunned committed to law and order and to you would remember from not all that when I have witnessed that sort of police in this state, but its actions long ago what Jim Cairns used to do to behaviour. What has stunned me speak louder than words. I invite the police in the streets of Melbourne. even more is that you very rarely see a members opposite to go out and speak I would invite Mr Leane and other policeman, neither for love nor money. to policemen and policewomen on Labor members to examine closely the That is the problem. the streets — if they can find one on history of their own party in regard to I may have mentioned in this house the streets. Better still, they could go police and law and order. a time when I visited Brisbane with my to a police station; they might find one Mr Scheffer — Wasn’t Jim Cairns a 11-year-old daughter for a wedding there. Members of the government policeman? a few months ago. We were walking should go out and speak to those men Mr FINN — He was a policeman down one of the streets of Brisbane and women on the thin blue line; they to start with. My word he was, but when she said, ‘Dad, do you know should ask them how their morale is, when they turn rogue, they turn the difference between here and how their stress levels are and how rogue! They do not muck around! If Melbourne?’. I said, ‘It is warmer’. She they are coping. They will find out very you want someone who really hates said, ‘Yes, it is, but the big difference quickly that Victoria Police is in a total, a Catholic, find an ex-Catholic. Jim is they have police on the streets here’. unmitigated mess. Cairns was causing riots in the streets This was an 11-year-old taking note of That is something of which none of and sooling students and all sorts of the fact that police were on the streets us should be proud or happy about. assorted communists on the streets of of Brisbane, because she had never Members of the government should Melbourne onto police. If you want to seen them on the streets of Melbourne. go out and speak to those men and go back to those anti-Vietnam days, I think that is an indictment of this women on the thin blue line; they that was all inspired by Jim Cairns. The government and the way the Victorian should ask them how their morale is, fact that he was a policeman before he police force has been handled over the how their stress levels are and how moved in — — past decade. they are coping. They will find out very Mr Dalla-Riva interjected. Nine years ago this government sold quickly that Victoria Police is in a total, Mr FINN — It is not where you start; Victoria Police completely down the unmitigated mess. That is something of river. it is where you finish — and that is which none of us should be proud or where he finished. If you want to find The day the then Bracks government happy about. out where the ALP gets its contempt for appointed Christine Nixon as Chief We heard during the time of the police and for law and order, just look Commissioner of Police was the day former chief commissioner her at the history of the ALP and of the that government sold every Victorian point-blank refusal to even mention Labor movement in this state and in policeman and policewoman down the word ‘gang’ at a time when gangs this country. the river completely. It was the day the were — and they still are — roaming

IN 10 July 2009 - December 2009 FINN THE HOUSE STREET VIOLENCE: GOVERNMENT RESPONSE... There are some on the other side robbery is up 25.4 per cent; abduction are figures that none of us can be at all — and we have heard them today and kidnapping are up 28.6 per cent; pleased with. — who will tell us that everything is aggravated burglary is up 10 per cent; In Moreland homicides increased hunky-dory, that there is no crime the cultivation, manufacture and by 133.3 per cent; non-rape sexual in this state, that we have it all under trafficking of drugs is up 45.6 per cent; charges were up 16.2 per cent; robbery control, that on 18 September 1999 going equipped to steal is up 66.7 per was up 33.8 per cent; abduction and everything was turned around and that cent; justice procedures are up 30.9 per kidnapping were up 120 per cent; it has never looked back. Unfortunately cent; weapons and explosives offences aggravated burglary was up 60.3 per the facts say otherwise. In my area are up 38.5 per cent; and offences cent; shop stealing was up 42.7 per and out in the western suburbs we involving behaviour in public are up 69 cent; harassment was up 178.6 per are actually facing a crime wave. That per cent. cent; and behaviour-in-public offences is not something anybody in the ALP We then go to Maribyrnong, next were up 8.1 per cent — and even an 8.1 is interested in or aware of, because door, where non-rape sexual charges per cent increase is relatively mild in when you talk about the Labor Party are up 35.6 per cent and assault is comparison with some of the increases you are talking about a group of up 20.7 per cent. Abduction and we have seen. individuals who do not care about the kidnapping in Maribyrnong are up an Finally I move to Moonee Valley western suburbs — unless there is a extraordinary 400 per cent — — — and this is something I am sure job in it for them, in which case they Mr Leane interjected. the Minister for Planning will find do care. Mr FINN — Mr Leane might find particularly interesting now that he is The welfare of and what is good for all this very amusing, but he would starting to take some interest in what the people of the western suburbs are not find it amusing if he lived in the happens around the Moonee Valley not on Labor’s radar at all and never western suburbs. area. The homicide rate there is up have been. ‘Keep them down, keep If he showed any interest in the by a staggering 700 per cent. That is them poor and they will keep voting for people who live in the western truly shocking, whatever way you us’ is the attitude of the Labor Party in suburbs, he would not find this even want to use that word. The burglary this state. mildly amusing, because I can assure rate has seen a 36.2 per cent increase; I have been very concerned for a him it is not. Property damage in shop stealing is up 23.5 per cent; significant time about some of the Maribyrnong has seen a 13.6 per cent the cultivation, manufacture and crime statistics in the western suburbs. increase; handling of stolen goods is up trafficking of drugs is up 25.8 per cent; I would like to go through the local 99.6 per cent; shop stealing is up 49.6 and behaviour-in-public offences government areas in my electorate per cent; the cultivation, manufacture are up 91.1 per cent. I am not joking of Western Metropolitan Region. You and trafficking of drugs is up 59.8 per when I say we have a crime wave in the might be interested in this yourself, cent; the possession or use of drugs is western suburbs. Acting President. up 51 per cent; going equipped to steal Mr Viney interjected. In the city of Hume the assault is up 13.6 per cent; justice procedures Mr FINN — Mr Viney might think rate is up 13.8 per cent; aggravated are up 99.2 per cent; weapons and I am joking. As he sits chortling Mr burglary, up 39.1 per cent; deception, explosives offences are up 43.8 per Viney might think it is amusing, but up 18.9 per cent; shop theft, up 17.8 cent; harassment is up 127.3 per cent; those of us who live in the western per cent; the cultivation, manufacture and behaviour-in-public offences are suburbs do not find it amusing at all. and trafficking of drugs, up 21.8 per up 145.7 per cent. To tell the truth those of us who live cent; justice procedures offences, up Moving on to Melton, rape charges in the western suburbs find it very 14.9 per cent; and harassment, up an are up by 22.2 per cent; robbery is alarming and straight-out scary. What extraordinary 209.3 per cent. up 78.9 per cent; assault is up 8.8 per do we have from the government as a If we move on to the infamous local cent; and abduction and kidnapping response to those crime figures? government area of Brimbank, we are up 20 per cent. Arson has seen a Mrs Peulich — Head in the sand? see that non-rape sexual offences are 50.9 increase; general burglary is up Mr FINN — At best, Mrs Peulich, up by 25.7 per cent; abduction and 15.7 per cent; deception is up 17.7 per we have indifference, but usually it is kidnapping, by 77.8 per cent; arson, cent; and handling stolen goods is up total contempt. For example, over a by 8.9 per cent; aggravated burglary, 21.2 per cent. Weapons and explosives long period down in Werribee we have by 43.2 per cent; the cultivation, charges are up 43 per cent; harassment seen a battle by locals, including local manufacture and trafficking of drugs, is up 9.7 per cent; and behaviour-in- police officers, to get sufficient police by 26.5 per cent; the possession and public offences are up 15 per cent. numbers in the Wyndham area, which use of drugs, by 37.7 per cent; going Moving along to Wyndham, the the last time I checked was the fastest equipped to steal offences, by 39.1 homicide rate is up 40 per cent; the growing municipality in Australia. per cent; regulated public order rape rate is up 17.1 per cent; robbery They have been battling for years to offences, by 150 per cent; weapons and is up 62 per cent; assault is up 36.7 get sufficient numbers of police down explosives offences, by 35.5 per cent; per cent; arson is up 18.8 per cent; there. They were promised another behaviour-in-public offences, by 47.1 property damage is up 9.5 per cent; full-time police station, which they per cent; and other offences, by 66.1 aggravated burglary is up 23.7 per cent; most certainly need. The trouble is per cent. The government says there is deception is up 89.4 per cent; handling there are not the police to man it, no crime problem here in Melbourne of stolen goods is up 37.4 per cent; so it is not going to be full time; I and no crime problem in Victoria. shop stealing is up 10.7 per cent; other understand it is only going to be open We then go to Hobsons Bay, which general theft is up 46.9 per cent; and in during the day. I assume that a lot of is a great place. Williamstown, Altona justice procedures there is an increase crime is committed after hours, so I and places down that way are very of 40.6 per cent. Harassment is up 20.5 suppose the crims will just have to take pleasant places indeed. per cent; and behaviour-in-public up a nine-to-five job. The homicide rate there is up 100 offences are up 32.3 per cent. I am sure We have seen police taken from per cent; rape is up 38.5 per cent; you will agree, President, that these Footscray and from Williamstown to

IN FINN THE HOUSE July 2009 - December 2009 11 STREET VIOLENCE: GOVERNMENT RESPONSE... fill holes in other parts of the west. We is Jeff Kennett’s fault. He has not the leash. in the western suburbs do not want been in office for 10 years, but it is Mr Finn’s question to me as all these recycled police; we want new all Jeff Kennett’s fault. After 10 years Treasurer is about what actions I take police. We do not want to take police Labor has left us one legacy, and I in relation to state government grants from our neighbours. We do not want will be interested to see if Mr Viney or that go to a particular municipality. As to see police taken from Footscray and anybody else on the other side gets Mr Finn well knows — — placed in Werribee or police taken up and takes a bow as a result of this Hon. M. P. Pakula — Or should from Williamstown and placed in legacy. That legacy is that Victoria is a know. Footscray. We do not want to see that. very dangerous and very scary place Mr LENDERS — That is right, Mr We need new police and more police. to live. Pakula, as he should know — every The Sunshine police station would Earlier this year I walked out onto amount of revenue from the state have to be one of the busiest police the front steps of Parliament House of Victoria that this Parliament stations in the state. I do not know at about 11 o’clock one night after my appropriates is accountable back how it copes. My sympathy is with the wife had rung and requested money — to the Parliament. We have outputs police officers who work in and out of not for the first time. I stood at the top across the Department of Planning and the Sunshine police station. They have of the stairs and looked down Bourke Community Development. a hell of a job. They have a dreadful job, Street, debating in my mind whether I Those outputs are put in place and and they are getting no support from was game enough to walk one block to grants to local government — I think this government. They are getting no the auto teller, take out a few hundred that is what Mr Finn is referring to — support from a government that just dollars and walk back. I thought about are probably the pass-through grants does not care about law and order, it for a few minutes, and I went to my that the commonwealth government particularly in the western suburbs. car, got in and drove down. That is gives as a percentage of income tax To make matters worse we have seen Melbourne in 2009 after 10 years of that the state’s grants commission then from this government police chiefs Labor. That is the Labor legacy: people recommends to the Minister for Local — people who used to be real police are too scared to walk the streets of Government and me, as Treasurer, be who knew what policing was about Melbourne. In a lot of cases people are passed through to local government — replaced by spin doctors. We have too scared to live in their own homes. under a formula. I assume that is the seen them replaced by politicians Is Labor proud of this? Is Labor proud money Mr Finn is referring to. in their own right. We have seen of what it has done to Victoria after 10 chief commissioners who get up miserable, long years? That is Labor’s I can assure Mr Finn of this: firstly, and just parrot the government line. legacy. That is Labor’s shame. the Auditor-General oversees state The government knows what it is government grants that go through; doing when it appoints these senior and secondly, the Minister for Finance, police who will always do what the COUNCIL | Questions without WorkCover and the Transport Accident government tells them to do. Notice; 16 September 2009 Commission, whom I represent in this place, sets financial directions to the I could talk about the alcohol 600-odd Victorian instrumentalities problem, which I think actually has that receive money from government more to do with the drug problem on or are government-owned, and they our streets and in our nightclubs and City of Brimbank: are reported back against. so forth. The minister for finance tables When I was a lad — and I can still government in Parliament a response to all remember it — a few of us had a sip outstanding reports of the Auditor- from time to time, but we did not go on grants Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) General so that once a year the the rampage. We did not try to go and Parliament has a government response rip off somebody’s head. We did not try — My question without notice is directed to the Treasurer. I note that on what it has done with any reports to kick them to death. There was none from the Auditor-General. of that sort of thing, but then again we the 2007-08 annual report of the did not take some of the drugs that are Brimbank City Council states that 16.5 They are the checks and balances prevalent in our nightclubs now. Until per cent of its total revenue — some that are in place. I might say, President, such time as we embark on a campaign $28 million — comes from government unlike the situation under the of deliberately cracking down — of grants, including state government government of which Mr Finn was zero tolerance — on the people who grants, and I ask: what steps has the a member, which actually voted to manufacture and sell these drugs to Treasurer taken to protect the state nobble the Auditor-General — Mr our young people the problem we have government’s financial contribution Finn was one of the shameful 61 in is not going to be solved and it will only to Brimbank from the undue and the Legislative Assembly who voted get worse. I say to the government that inappropriate influence first identified to nobble the Auditor-General, and as a society we need to get fair dinkum in the Ombudsman’s report and now we pay heed to it — they are the about this, to crack down on these identified in the damning report of accountability measures that I as drug dealers and to show them that we the municipal inspector and from Treasurer and as minister representing will not tolerate their behaviour here the corrupt behaviour of Labor Party the minister for finance have applied. in Melbourne or in Victoria. It is just officials? The overall and overarching issue is not on. Mr LENDERS (Treasurer) — I thank that the Ombudsman made a report On Friday, as I said this morning, Mr Finn for what I think is the first on Brimbank City Council, and the we commemorate here the 10th question he has asked me in his two government acted and carried out anniversary of the defeat of the and a half years in the chamber. every recommendation. Liberals. You would not imagine that Hon. M. P. Pakula — They have let Now the inspector has made a report because, according to the government, him off the leash. on Brimbank, and the Minister for it is all Jeff Kennett’s fault. Everything Mr LENDERS — He has been let off Local Government has gone to the

IN 12 July 2009 - December 2009 FINN THE HOUSE City of Brimbank: government grants... executive council and suspended the form of conduct. The Labor Party rules bloke pushing them on at the stations. Brimbank council. require a different form of conduct and In many cases health services in the The government takes these issues the accounting rules and reporting west are third class and would not be seriously. It has responded, as it will and accountability to this Parliament tolerated in the eastern or southern continue to do. The government require another sort of conduct. All suburbs. believes in good governance. It is not of this falls within the purview of the The Labor Party is still using and afraid of watchdogs. It carries out the Treasurer, and he should answer the abusing local government. The recommendations put to it, unlike the question. Brimbank scandal is just the tip of the government Mr Finn was a member of, The PRESIDENT — Order! I ask iceberg, and it still took 10 years — a which closed down Parliament, gagged Mr Finn to ask his supplementary decade! — to do something about it. the Auditor-General, gutted his powers question again so that I am crystal Some 10 years on Labor still regards and, as the ultimate irony, appointed clear on what he is asking. the people in the west as idiots who a member of the executive to chair Mr FINN — Given that the municipal will vote ALP come what may. I can the Public Accounts and Estimates inspector concluded: assure this house that we in the west Committee. The former government’s ... it appears the St Albans branch — will no longer put up with the duds idea of accountability was probably of the ALP — dumped on us from the other side of where it was having its next lunch. has attempted to bind particular Melbourne. The people in the west are Supplementary question councillors to the organisation’s waking up to what the ALP is doing to Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) position rather than have them assess them, and we will not put up with it — Given that the municipal inspector the particular matter on its merits, as any more. concluded: required under the Local Government Act — ... it appears the St Albans branch — will the Treasurer now investigate COUNCIL | Adjournment of the ALP — the influence of this malignant 17 September 2009 has attempted to bind particular Labor branch on Brimbank council’s councillors to the organisation’s position rather than have them assess decisions where they involve state the particular matter on its merits, as government moneys, of which he is required under the Local Government custodian? Civic Compliance Act — The PRESIDENT — Order! will the Treasurer now investigate This is a very arguable Victoria: the influence of this malignant supplementary question, and I will rely Labor branch on Brimbank council’s on the judgement of the Treasurer as infringement decisions where they involve state to whether he believes it is within his government moneys, of which he is portfolio notice custodian? Mr LENDERS (Treasurer) — I stand Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) Mr Viney — On a point of order, by my substantive answer. — I raise a matter for the Minister for President, I am not sure how it could Ordered that answer be considered Police and Emergency Services. It be in the administrative functions next day on motion of Mr D. DAVIS concerns a constituent, Diane Plim of the Treasurer to investigate any (Southern Metropolitan Region). from Essendon, who contacted me political party branch of either the deeply concerned about her recent Liberal Party, The Nationals, the interaction with Civic Compliance Greens or the Labor Party. I do not COUNCIL | Members Statements Victoria. believe that question is relevant. 16 September 2009 Mrs Plim told me that on 20 January Mr D. Davis — On the point of her vehicle was photographed on order, Mr Finn’s question refers to the the Princes Freeway at Hoppers Treasurer’s custodianship role with Crossing travelling at 106 kilometres state money, and it is clear that money Government: per hour in a 100-kilometre-an-hour goes from the state government to that zone. The initial penalty was $142. council. It is also clear that there is a performance She phoned the fines office and was malignant collateral influence. The Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) advised to write regarding this issue. Treasurer ought to assure the house. — This Friday we will commemorate Consequently she submitted to Civic He should answer the question — I 10 years of Labor government in Compliance Victoria an appeal for know it is a sensitive matter for the Victoria. I say ‘commemorate’ and consideration, explaining that a young Labor Party but he is the custodian of not ‘celebrate’ because we in the west overseas visitor had used her vehicle to the state’s finances. of Melbourne will not be celebrating go job hunting in the market gardens Mrs Peulich — On the point of order, 10 miserable, dark years of Labor area in Werribee. In the meantime, President, the Local Government government. Labor promised much without her requesting an extension of Act requires that councillors act to the west when it was elected 10 time, this was issued to her in the mail. impartially and that resources are dealt years ago, but it has delivered very She had not received a direct with in a responsible and accountable little — one only has to look at the answer to her appeal but was sent a fashion. freeways and the West Gate Bridge, final reminder notice dated 24 July The PRESIDENT — Order! The every day in gridlock, with the bridge indicating that she needed to pay the member is debating the point. groaning under increasing traffic, fine by 31 July. Mrs Peulich — No, I am not. and the government doing nothing She phoned Civic Compliance about it. Public transport is a farce. It Victoria and spoke to a chap called The PRESIDENT — Mrs Peulich is unreliable, with commuters being should get to the point of order. Fernando. She explained that she crammed onto trains like cattle. The was confused regarding the lack of an Mrs Peulich — President, the Local only thing missing is the fat Japanese answer to her appeal and had instead Government Act requires a certain

IN FINN THE HOUSE July 2009 - December 2009 13 Civic Compliance Victoria: infringement notice... municipal administration on municipality, but it has everything to received a final reminder notice in Brimbank City Council is an do with preventing embarrassment the mail. An extension of time to 4 interesting document. There is no to John Brumby and the Labor September 2009 was promptly offered doubt that clearly it has been written government in the lead-up to an to her, and she was advised to again for a particular purpose. What is election next year. write to civic compliance outlining in this report that was not in the I had a phone call at my office on her attempts to communicate with the Ombudsman’s report into Brimbank Tuesday morning from a gentleman long-departed overseas visitor and City Council of earlier this year? Firstly, who told me that a Brimbank stating the outcome of those attempts. there are no names in this report, councillor had just spoken to him and On 28 July 2009 she spoke once again which I found very interesting. said, ‘We’re going to be sacked this to someone at civic compliance who Somebody obviously got into afternoon because Brumby can’t take confirmed the information she had somebody’s ear and got the message the heat’. He said, ‘He wants us off previously received. through that they did not like being the radar; he wants Brimbank off the Accordingly, on 4 September this named in parliamentary reports radar’. I have got news for the Premier: year, at around the middle of the day, anymore, so that was dropped. Brimbank will not be off the radar, she sent a faxed appeal regarding this Whilst the report clearly condemns because this is an example of how the issue to civic compliance indicating the behaviour of many in the Brimbank Labor Party treats its own. This is a that she had posted the original council, it is very mild compared with classic example of the Labor Party’s documents in the mail that day. what we saw in the Ombudsman’s contempt for those who for so long have shown loyalty to it. It is a disgrace, She also indicated that she report in May. Why sack the council it is an indictment of this government was extremely busy as a full-time now? The government has acted and it is an indictment of the Labor schoolteacher and a community on this report from the municipal Party generally. volunteer and worker. She felt her administrator and has dismissed or, fax would have reached the correct as they say, ‘suspended’ — a rather As we know — and Mr Theophanous destination in time as the fax machine interesting word; no longer are they will back me up; it is a pity he is not in clearly showed it had been sent and ‘sacked’ — the Brimbank City Council the chamber — if you embarrass the received correctly as it registered for three years. Premier, you will get shafted! That is ‘result okay’. However, she was most What the inspector has found in what has happened with Brimbank. disturbed to receive in the post on 10 his report, as I say, is nothing, it is What will happen in three years when September an enforcement notice chickenfeed, compared with what the the council returns? I would say it is dated 8 September 2009 indicating the Ombudsman found earlier this year. going to be a repeat performance. matter was in the hands of the court. That in turn is chickenfeed, nothing, What we desperately need in the The costs she is now required to pay compared with what we all know to meantime is a fair go and justice for the are $232. have gone on at Brimbank for many, people of Brimbank. I ask the Minister for Police and many years. So why is the council The PRESIDENT — Order! The Emergency Services to investigate this being sacked now? Why was it not member’s time has expired! case and come up with some solution sacked back in May? to Mrs Plim’s problem, as this is What game is the Minister for Local something that clearly affects her and Government playing? What game is COUNCIL | Adjournment I believe sets a precedent that would the Premier playing? What is going 13 October 2009 be dangerous for most people who use on here? Why is this council — which our roads on a daily basis. is clearly corrupt, and is clearly an appalling example of local government by any standards — being sacked now? Police: numbers Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I COUNCIL | Statements on Reports Why was it not sacked earlier this year? raise a matter for the attention of the 17 September 2009 The point is that what we read in the Ombudsman’s report and what we Minister for Police and Emergency read in the inspector’s report has been Services. As I am sure the house is open knowledge right around Victoria aware, last Saturday was the first Inspector of for years. The Premier knew what has anniversary of the passing of the been going on at Brimbank for the Abortion Law Reform Act in this state. municipal past decade, the Deputy Premier knew To commemorate that particular date, what has been going on at Brimbank the first March for the Babies rally was for the past decade, the Minister for held through the city, culminating on administration: Planning knew what has been going the steps of Parliament House. I am the on at Brimbank for 10 years and the chairman of the organising committee City of Brimbank of the march. At the beginning of last Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — Minister for Local Government knew what has been going on at Brimbank week, preparations were coming along After 10 years of Labor government in very nicely. Permits had been issued, this state, all that is corruption, all that since Labor has been in government. So why is the government acting now marshals were ready to go and so is misbehaviour, all that is shysterism many other aspects were under control and all that is shonkiness can best on the report of the inspector, which, as I say, is mild compared with so until last Monday, when we received be summed up in just one word: a call from Victoria Police, requesting Brimbank. Perhaps if that needed to many of the allegations we have heard about and seen? a meeting as soon as was humanly be expanded on a bit further, we could possible. I will tell you why: it has nothing to talk about Labor in Brimbank because I, along with a couple of other if it is was not for Labor in Brimbank, do with good governance in Brimbank and it has nothing to do with providing members of the committee, went none of those words would apply. to a meeting with Victoria Police at The report of the inspector of justice for the people of the Brimbank

IN 14 July 2009 - December 2009 FINN THE HOUSE Police: numbers... headquarters in Flinders Street. debate. I have to say it is somewhat of Victorian police force to its lowest The police told me of their plight a surprise to come here on 13 October ebb ever. She ripped up the culture and asked for our consideration. They 2009 to debate a bill that first saw the of the Victorian police force to the informed me that they would not have light of day in this chamber over one point where the majority of Victorians enough police officers to control our year ago. As members may recall, at now have no confidence in Victoria march on last Saturday morning. They the introduction of this bill over one Police. That is a tragedy for our state. said they could find only 10 police to year ago the government told the It may have been great for the feminist manage intersections. They were aware chamber how urgent this bill was; it movement, but it was a disaster for law that we posed no threat of violence, said then that the future of the police and order in Victoria. damage or anything else, but they force was dependent on this bill and It has to be said that Christine Nixon could not find enough police to control it had to be passed — and it had to be caused more damage to policing in the intersections along the route passed now — — Victoria than Ned Kelly, Squizzy Taylor that we had previously been given Mrs Peulich — Otherwise it was and Alphonse Gangitano combined. permission to march along, and asked going to implode. For over eight years the Victorian that we truncate the march, which we Mr FINN — We might all implode at police force bled as a result of the readily did. this rate. Over one year ago the house alleged leadership of Christine Nixon. It made me think: if the Victorian was told by the government that the Despite all of that, she is the reason police force has enough trouble getting future of law and order in this state this bill is before the house. I could police to perform normal duties on a was on the line and that this bill had go into her role in deposing a former Saturday morning, what hope does it to be passed as soon as possible. For Minister for Police and Emergency have of getting police to where it really over 12 months this bill has sat on the Services, Andre Haermeyer, but let us matters on a Saturday evening, to some notice paper, during which time the leave that aside for a moment and just of the trouble spots in the city and government has come up with various remember that she was in reality the some of the inner city areas? stories as to why it would not proceed minister. Mrs Coote — Prahran. with it. We all know that the present Minister Mr FINN — Such as Prahran, as I have been enthusiastic about for Police and Emergency Services, in Mrs Coote says. I ask the minister to wanting to debate this bill, because name only, Bob Cameron, has not got take into consideration my experience I think it contains some important a clue. We all know he has been made of the last week and to convene a points. I am keen to point out to rank- the minister for that very reason — he meeting with the Chief Commissioner and-file members of the Victorian does not have a clue. He makes the of Police. I would be very happy to police force — and I still call it ‘the Minister for Water, Tim Holding, the attend that meeting to relate firsthand Victorian police force’ — what their previous minister, look like a genius my experiences. I ask the minister government has in store for them if it is in comparison. He does not have any also to inform the chief commissioner allowed. idea of his portfolio or what he should of the parlous state of the police As I have pointed out to this house be doing. He allowed Christine Nixon force in this state, particularly in the before, there is no question about this to do whatever she wanted. central business district. I ask both the government hating police. It proves She was the real police minister minister and the chief commissioner that time and time again — and this of this government. She was a Labor to devise a plan to do something bill proves it yet again. apparatchik appointed to the position about the problems that our police are Ms Mikakos — Rubbish! of chief commissioner. She was the facing on a daily and, perhaps more Mr FINN — The genesis of this bill police minister of the state. It has to importantly, nightly basis. — and Ms Mikakos can get ready for be said her successor has followed in this; she has been looking forward to her footsteps. I will get to him in just a this for quite some time; she is really moment. COUNCIL | Second Reading getting excited about the whole thing The tragedy with this bill and with 13 October 2009 — goes to a distant past when an the former chief commissioner’s role individual called Christine Nixon was in supporting this bill and its genesis, chief commissioner of the Victorian as I mentioned, is that Christine Nixon police force. regarded the rank and file of Victoria POLICE Ms Mikakos — I have heard it all Police as the enemy. That was the before. bottom line. She regarded the men and REGULATION Mr FINN — You have not heard women on the thin blue line as her this, Ms Mikakos, let me tell you! enemies. She came down here from AMENDMENT We all know that Christine Nixon New South Wales and made it very was something of a control freak, clear she believed the Victorian police BILL just to understate it. She set out at force was corrupt. I think she said that Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) the beginning of her tenure as chief at her first press conference as chief — As the weeks have gone by and as commissioner to destroy the Victorian commissioner. the weeks have turned into months police force as we knew it, and I have She said that the Victorian police — — to say she succeeded admirably. A lot force is no more or no less corrupt than Mrs Peulich — Like sands through of people around the place think she the police in New South Wales. That is the hourglass. was a disaster as chief commissioner, just nonsense. Mr FINN — Like sands through the but I have to congratulate Christine It was nonsense then and it is hourglass — indeed, Mrs Peulich! Nixon — she achieved what she set out nonsense now, because we all know I have sat in my office and have to do. Brick by brick she destroyed the just how corrupt the police force has wondered whether I would live long Victorian police force as we knew it. been over many years in New South enough to see this bill come on for She ripped the morale of the Wales. That sort of thing just does not go on in Victoria because over a long

IN FINN THE HOUSE July 2009 - December 2009 15 POLICE REGULATION AMENDMENT BILL... period we have had within Victoria anything, worse than the one who about the role of the Attorney-General Police the ability to root out those who was leaving. I think it is safe to say and his efforts at stacking the judiciary. are corrupt. We have the ability to that the current chief commissioner, I have referred in the past to some find out who they are and to get rid of who supports this bill, has never been members of this house and this them, and that is something that we as on the beat one day in his life. He is Parliament who are particularly good Victorians have been proud of. what is known around the traps as an at branch stacking, but the Attorney- It is interesting to note that when I academic copper. General has excelled at bench stacking. talk about our police force members He has never been on the van, He has put all his of the government are over there never been on the beat; he does not mates — — chuckling away. They think it is know what real police go through on Ms Mikakos — On a point of order, highly amusing that we are debating a day-to-day basis. Yet he pursues the Acting President, I draw to your measures against members of the same agenda that the former chief attention the fact that Mr Finn is police force that are unreasonable, to commissioner pursued. It is little casting aspersions on members of say the very least. It has to be said that wonder that he is known from one end Victoria’s judiciary. I understand that whilst the former Chief Commissioner of the state to the other as the son of is contrary to standing orders and I ask of Police was conducting a war of Christine, because that is what he has that he withdraw that last statement. attrition against her own members shaped up to be. Mr FINN — On the point of order, — the members of Victoria Police He is continuing the policies of the Acting President, at no time did I — the criminal elements in Victoria past as he sits in his office looking at mention any particular judge or were running amok. Over recent weeks reports from Amnesty International member of the judiciary. I have mentioned the crime statistics, and telling us how we should be It is totally ludicrous for Ms particularly in the western suburbs, in treating criminals in Victoria, but he Mikakos to suggest that I have cast great detail here. might like to consider that Amnesty any aspersions on any member of the Minister Madden will be interested International’s principles and judiciary. At no time have I mentioned to hear that in Moonee Valley the recommendations also apply to police. any particular member of the judiciary, homicide rate was up 700 per cent last Police also have rights in this state, as as tempting as it may have been. year. they should have. The ACTING PRESIDENT (Mr Eideh) This sort of increase has happened Under this bill they will have very — Order! Mr Finn, to continue. right across Victoria. As the former few. In fact if this bill is passed, Mr FINN — Thank you, Acting chief commissioner has taken on her criminals in this state — murderers President. As I was saying, these men own membership, as she has pursued and rapists — will have greater rights and women who put themselves on members of the Victorian police force than police. That is a blight on the the front line for us every day, every for crimes, perceived or real, the real state, and members of the government night, are true heroes. They deserve criminals have been getting away should hang their heads in shame at more than legislation like this, because with muggings, bashings, robbery, daring to bring such a preposterous this legislation is a total insult to every rape, murder and many other crimes piece of legislation into this house. It is single copper in this state. Every single because the police force has been a disgrace. police officer in this state is insulted by preoccupied with this internal war Is it any wonder that morale in the the sort of legislation that has been put between Christine Nixon and the Victoria Police is as low as it is? I have forward by this government. members of the police force. absolute respect and support for the Given that the bill has been in this It was interesting to note the attitude men and women of the Victorian place for over a year and given all this of members of this government police force. discussion and all this negotiation, — members of the Australian Labor To protect us those men and women surely this bill would have to be a Party — when that chief commissioner go out on the van, often after dark, into ripsnorter, a bobby dazzler, the sort pursued a war against the Police places they are not sure of and into of legislation that will go down in the Association. The government places that you and I certainly would history books with the Magna Carta was put there by the trade union never go into. or perhaps the United States Bill of movement, but then it allowed its We talk about military heroes who Rights. Perhaps not; perhaps it is a chief commissioner — as I have said, protect us, perhaps overseas, perhaps total unmitigated stuff-up by this a Labor apparatchik, a politician in in a war zone; but we have within our government. This government that her own right — to pursue the Police community men and women of the specialises in stuff-ups has outdone Association in a way that was most Victoria Police who are true heroes, itself this time with this legislation. unbecoming and most detrimental to who put their lives on the line day law and order in this state. I have here a series of amendments. in and day out so that we can live a I understand there are 53 of 67 that As we know, earlier this year the peaceful, happy and harmonious were under discussion as late as former chief commissioner, Christine existence. They go out there and put this afternoon. We were prepared, Nixon, retired from the position — to in extraordinary hours. They put understandably as the opposition in much jubilation, it has to be said. up with amazing stress, they put up this house, to discuss the amendments. From one end of the state to the other with dangers that you and I would You would have thought, given that I doubt there was a police station in not tolerate. And what do they get? we have been negotiating these Victoria that did not throw a party This nonsense, this rubbish from a amendments since March and it is now when Christine Nixon hung up her hat government that holds our police in 13 October, that the government would for the last time. total contempt. That is what they get. be keen to put its negotiation skills to But the bill remained, and the It is a despicable way for a government the test and put to the test in this house tragedy for the police force and those that does not care about our police the agreements that it has come to police members who were celebrating force and cares even less about law and with the opposition — with the Liberal the departure of Christine was that order to act. Party, The Nationals and perhaps even the new chief commissioner was, if At this point I am tempted to talk the Greens.

IN 16 July 2009 - December 2009 FINN THE HOUSE POLICE REGULATION AMENDMENT BILL... Ms Pennicuik — We did not see men and women who are on the workshops, which are just down the them in March. streets of Melbourne and throughout street. Mr FINN — You did not see them Victoria, defending us as we speak in This move would not just protect in March? That is very sad. But what this Parliament tonight. I support those the unique and priceless exhibits but happened here tonight? Ms Mikakos men and women, I support the thin provide a tourist boost for the west of got up and pulled the whole lot. She blue line, and I vehemently oppose Melbourne. Railway tourism is huge pulled every single one of them. After this bill. internationally. People who are into all this negotiation, after all this time, that sort of tourism will travel a very after all this finetuning, Ms Mikakos long distance to see a good train. This got up and did the Ernie Sigley, ‘Only COUNCIL | Adjournment would bring jobs, visitors and more joking’. 14 October 2009 wealth to the western suburbs of Mr Leane — Who? Melbourne. Mr FINN — She did an Ernie Sigley! I ask the Minister for Public What is going on in this state? How Transport to meet representatives serious is this government about Rail: Newport of the Australian Railway Historical the police force? How serious is this Society as quickly as is humanly government about law and order when museum possible with a view to arranging it can negotiate for month after month, Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) the setting up of the new museum at but when we finally get to the stage — I wish to raise this evening a matter Newport. It would be a major boost for of voting on the agreed amendments, for the attention of the Minister for the western suburbs of Melbourne. it pulls them there and then on the Public Transport. Recently I had spot? How fair dinkum are members the joy of visiting the Australian opposite? The only conclusion that Railway Historical Society museum COUNCIL | Members Statements anybody can come to is that these just a stone’s throw from the North 15 October 2009 members have not got a clue, nor do Williamstown railway station. I must they care. commend the volunteers of the society who have done a magnificent job over Mrs Peulich — No wonder things a good many years now — over some are out of control on the streets of decades — in retaining and upgrading Bridges: Yarra Melbourne. some of the great steam engines and Mr FINN — It is little wonder, Mrs River more modern engines that have pulled Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) Peulich, that things are out of control our trains around Victoria. on the streets of Melbourne, because — Those of us from the western Mr John Kirk was very generous suburbs who travel to and from the city the police do not know what is going with his time in showing me some on. The police ‘leadership’ — and I will have noticed over the last week or of the finer details of the many train so the spaghetti junction that VicRoads use that term in inverted commas engines that were on display. I have to — must be absolutely bamboozled by has constructed between the bottom of say to the house that I was exceedingly the West Gate Bridge and the Domain this, because this bill, as it is presented impressed. I do not mind a train to the house tonight, with or without Tunnel, or both tunnels in fact. The trip myself, although I am less than problem with this particular spaghetti amendments, is an absolute and total impressed with some of the services dog’s breakfast. As I mentioned earlier, junction is that it does not really that we might have, for example, out resolve the main issue that commuters it is an insult to every police officer in through Sunshine at the moment. this state. from the western suburbs face every But certainly some of the other day. The main problem remains Mrs Peulich — And to every services are impressive, such as the unaddressed. Victorian. Indian Pacific on which, many years What the people from the western Mr FINN — As Mrs Peulich says, ‘and ago, I took a ride to Perth; I was pretty suburbs need is another Yarra crossing, to every Victorian’, because there are much taken with that. because this spaghetti junction does a number of victims who should be This museum has a good many not address congestion on the West taken into consideration as well. trains that I am sure will bring back Gate Bridge, nor does it address The Greens have moved a reasoned memories for members if they were to congestion on the West Gate Freeway, amendment, and I have considerable take the time to go out and have a look. which on many occasions stretches sympathy with that. Members should It is a train lovers’ delight — nothing many kilometres back towards listen to this, because it will not be surer than that. Geelong. said too often: I have considerable The only problem is that these trains As we see continuing growth in the sympathy for the position of the are outside. They are in the elements western suburbs, Wyndham being one Greens as it has been put by way of this and because they are close to the bay, of the fastest growing municipalities reasoned amendment. However, the being in Williamstown, they are prone in Australia for example, as well as opposition believes that this bill is so to rust. I saw some of the difficulties Geelong and Ballarat, this problem is far gone that it does not matter how that the volunteers have been facing only going to get worse. After 10 years often you inquire into it. It does not in protecting these magnificent of Labor you would think that it would matter how often you negotiate or look transportation vehicles from the rust. have a plan to solve the problems of at it again, because it is a dead duck The problem is that these treasures the western suburbs and the traffic — it is floating face down. This bill is of Victoria are in many cases rusting coming from the western suburbs, dead. The government should take it away despite the best efforts of the but we have not had a thing from this out and bury it. In the name of all that volunteers. government. You would think after a is good and decent, get rid of it. An obvious solution which has been decade of Labor it was now time to get I support the police. I support those bandied about for some time is to shift the western suburbs moving again. the museum indoors to the Newport

IN FINN THE HOUSE July 2009 - December 2009 17 COUNCIL | Adjournment 10 November 2009 in many of these kindergartens suburbs of Melbourne. throughout the western suburbs As Ms Hartland pointed out, after in particular are about to walk out years of complaints the Minister for the door. We are about to lose them Local Government, Minister Wynne, Kindergartens: because of the way they have been finally decided he had no option but treated by this government over the to do something. The man who is western suburbs past decade. I ask the minister to often openly referred to in the western Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) give this matter her urgent attention suburbs, and particularly in Brimbank, — I raise a matter for the attention of and, more importantly, to actually do as Do Nothing Dick decided he would the Minister for Education. It was my something. do something. very great pleasure recently to visit The ACTING PRESIDENT (Mr the North Sunshine Kindergarten, Leane) — Order! I ask Mr Finn where I met with Carmen Gomez, COUNCIL | Second Reading to withdraw that reference to the who explained many of the problems 11 November 2009 minister. she and her colleagues are facing Mr FINN — I did not actually refer at that preschool. Her concerns are to him as Do Nothing Dick; I was primarily around the lack of adequate referring to him as he is referred to in funding for kindergartens for families the electorate. from disadvantaged backgrounds. LOCAL As she explained to me, the North The ACTING PRESIDENT (Mr Sunshine Kindergarten is in a GOVERNMENT Leane) — Order! I think we have been particularly socially disadvantaged through this before with one of Mr area. Approximately 80 per cent of the (BRIMBANK Finn’s contributions. Mr Finn withdrew families receive welfare benefits of then, so I do not think tonight should some kind, over 95 per cent come from CITY COUNCIL) be any different. culturally and linguistically diverse Mr FINN — Life is changing all the backgrounds and approximately 45 per BILL time, but I am happy to withdraw. It cent of the children have a disability. Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — does not change the fact that that is Here we are gathered at approaching However, the present funding what people in Brimbank and in the 9.30 p.m. on 11 November for what arrangements for children with western suburbs call him. is, I suppose, unofficially the funeral additional needs is extremely Mr Vogels — It should be Do of the Brimbank City Council. The inadequate. Something Dick. firing squad has done its job and the Mr FINN — Unfortunately the fact In fact this year alone the corpse of the Brimbank council has kindergarten has 20 children with that he did something does not change been laid in its coffin. The grave has the fact that he is referred to by the additional needs but only two are been dug, the prayers have been said, eligible for funding, and that only name I cannot refer to myself. This is a the Minister for Local Government, strange place sometimes. covers them up to 7 hours each per Richard Wynne, is standing by the side week. Clearly that is inadequate, below of the grave with a shovel in his hand, The minister commissioned an expectations and below what can be and the government is hoping beyond Ombudsman’s report. considered to be reasonable. all else that this will all just go away. Over a period of about seven or eight Ms Gomez explained to me that Mr Barber interjected. months the Ombudsman went through during the 10 years she has been a number of complaints that had been Mr FINN — If the clown over here to working at the centre she has had lodged against the council over an my left would like to come over from at least two children with autism extended time, and his final report Yarra occasionally, he might have each year, as well as children with was somewhat damning not just of the some idea about what is going on in Down syndrome and children with council but also of a number of people the western suburbs — and I withdraw developmental delays, many of who were involved in influencing the calling him a clown. whom will go on to specialist schools council. That is something the ALP has because their needs cannot be met in The ACTING PRESIDENT (Mr to take total responsibility for, because mainstream schools. However, these Leane) — Order! I thank Mr Finn. I think, with only one exception, kindergartens are expected to come up Mr FINN — The situation is that this everybody named in the report as a with the goods, and they clearly cannot is not going to make the corruption at culprit is a member of the Australian be expected to do that for too much Brimbank go away. There are far too Labor Party. The Ombudsman’s report longer. many ghosts wandering the cemetery is a damning indictment not just of the I ask the Minister for Education that is the ALP. There is a dreadful Brimbank council but of the Victorian to conduct an immediate review of knocking noise coming from within ALP. what is necessary to support these the coffin as well. It is those councillors The Ombudsman’s report was kindergartens, particularly the North who just refuse to die, but I will talk presented and the minister had to Sunshine Kindergarten but also other about them in a little while. decide if he would do anything about kindergartens and particularly those in The government thinks it has been it. As we know, at times he has some the western suburbs which have a high very clever, but it has been too clever difficulty in deciding what action to proportion of children from socially by half. Everything the government has take, and after another brief period disadvantaged backgrounds. I ask the done at Brimbank in recent months an inspector was appointed. The minister to give serious consideration has been driven by pure panic. inspector was put to work briefly to the matter and to put into practice Government members are terrified and he presented a report to the a plan which will provide support for of what will happen to them at the next government. This report was nowhere these families and kindergartens. What election as a result of what they have near as damning as the Ombudsman’s concerns me is that very good teachers allowed their party to do in the western report had been just a few months

IN 18 July 2009 - December 2009 FINN THE HOUSE LOCAL GOVERNMENT (BRIMBANK CITY COUNCIL) BILL... before, but the government decided to clean Brimbank up it will appoint see Hakki Suleyman, his trusty aide, that the report had to be acted upon. a royal commission. I do not for a let loose on the people of Brimbank The finger pointing started and we moment think that will happen, — he of the droopy moustache and saw a number of councillors of the new because I know the government does sombrero, reaching for his guns in the council being blamed for the sins of the not want to know the truth — or should shootout in the Keilor pub car park. old council. That is an extraordinary I say it does not want the truth to get This is the western, Brimbank — The situation. We now have this legislation out. This is because there are a good Movie, something we can look forward before the house, and very soon many members of the government to. Alternatively, Acting President, it I assume we will have a situation who know the truth. could be a comedy. where the City of Brimbank will be There are a good many members of Hon. T. C. Theophanous interjected. administered by three commissioners. the government who have known the Mr FINN — Mr Theophanous, just Already in the City of Brimbank there is truth a very long time, and that is why stick around for a minute, because significant speculation as to who those they sat on this for as long as they did. I have not finished with you, as you commissioners will be. Interestingly The corruption of Brimbank goes might expect. enough, all the names that have been right to the top. This corruption goes In this particular comedy we mentioned in despatches to this point right into the Premier’s office. This could have the Minister for Local are members of — you guessed it corruption goes right into the federal Government, Richard Wynne, who is — the ALP. Surprise, surprise! What cabinet room in Parliament House, referred to as something else by my we are looking at just at the moment Canberra. This corruption is not just constituents out there in Brimbank. is removing elected corruption and about the Brimbank City Council; We could have Rob Hulls, the Deputy replacing it with appointed corruption it is about corruption within the Premier and Attorney-General and from within the ALP. That does not Australian Labor Party that has been John Brumby, the Premier of this state, make a great deal of sense to me, but there for many years. If we are going who were both outraged — appalled! as was said earlier the community to give the people of Brimbank and — when the Ombudsman revealed just is certainly very supportive of the surrounding areas justice we have to a portion of what had been going on in removal of the council at this time. root this out. We have to stop it, and Brimbank for so long. All I believe that is necessary a royal commission would be a very Now, you have to remember now is for us as a Parliament and a good start. On behalf of the long- that Dick Wynne, fair enough, had community to get to the truth, because suffering ratepayers of Brimbank known for years what was going on in as I have pointed out on at least a — and I remind the house that my Brimbank, because people had been couple of occasions in this house the electorate office is right in the middle telling him about it for years. You have Ombudsman’s report did not get to of Brimbank, in Sunshine — — to remember that Rob Hulls knew the whole truth; it barely scratched the Hon. T. C. Theophanous — We know for years what had been going on in surface. What we need — — all about your electorate office. Brimbank, because he represents part Hon. T. C. Theophanous interjected. Mr FINN — Do you? Well, you tell of Brimbank. It is his electoral base. Mr FINN — Mr Theophanous may me about it a bit later; I will be very You also have to remember that John well agree, but he might not support interested to hear. Brumby, the Premier of the state, my next suggestion. It is my very My electorate office is in the middle knew exactly what was going on in strong view that what we need to get of Brimbank, on Hampshire Road Brimbank, because when he got the to the very bottom of the corruption in Sunshine. I recall that when I was call to come to state Parliament he in Brimbank is a royal commission; first elected to represent the Western got it through the province of Doutta and not just in Brimbank but in some Metropolitan Region I was inundated Galla, and the numbers that were of the surrounding areas as well given with complaints from locals and put together to allow the man who is the government’s opposition to and local community groups about the now Premier of our state to enter the refusal to set up an anticorruption Brimbank council. I am hoping that Victorian Parliament were put together commission — and you cannot blame those locals and groups will receive in what is now Brimbank. it because there is such a thing as self- justice as a result of we are doing here The very same people, therefore, incrimination I suppose. this evening. However, I do not see that that are involved in the sorts of Hon. T. C. Theophanous interjected. this bill alone will allow them the sort shenanigans that we have seen over Mr FINN — Mr Theophanous screws of support and relief that they deserve, such a long period of time were up his face, and I tell you what: if I particularly those who have been involved in putting John Brumby into was involved in some of the things fighting this kind of corruption for so Parliament. He now tries to tell us he that the Ombudsman suggests Mr very long. did not know anything. We don’t — — Theophanous has been involved in If a royal commission is not on Mr Koch interjected. I would screw up my face as well. the cards we may have to turn to Mr FINN — He is not a cleanskin, Mr But we need justice for the people of Hollywood for our answers. Koch, I can tell you. In any movie we Brimbank, and the only way we are As we know, the media has an have to have some new stars, and that going to get to the bottom of all the enormous influence on the way people is where the Theophanous brothers corruption — the only way we will act, and the media over a very long come in. As the Ombudsman has find out who has been up to some of period of time has had an enormous pointed out, they have a role to play. the tricks and activities we would find impact in terms of revelations of fact Perhaps they could go in under the title appalling in every way — is through and truth in a whole range of areas. of Theophanii Inc.. That could be how a royal commission, so in this house So perhaps we could have Brimbank we could introduce them to the silver I call on the government to set up a — The Movie. That may be something screen. royal commission into the Brimbank we could turn our attention to. It Hon. T. C. Theophanous interjected. council. could be a western, and instead of Mr FINN — And of course any movie If this government is fair dinkum Dirty Harry we will have Dopey Harry, worth its salt has to have its villains; about wanting to know the truth and who indeed has no idea at all. We will

IN FINN THE HOUSE July 2009 - December 2009 19 LOCAL GOVERNMENT (BRIMBANK CITY COUNCIL) BILL... they are a very important part. Mr for granted. This sort of corruption a much higher price for our freedom Theophanous should relax; I have will continue as long as the Labor than that vigilance. We remember not included him in this particular Party regards the people in the west of those who gave their all so that we can segment, because the real villains here Melbourne with complete contempt. live in freedom. We give thanks for the have not been exposed. They should That is what we have seen. When we sacrifice that they made to allow us to be exposed, and a royal commission see what has happened in Brimbank live in freedom — the freedom to say would expose them. I am talking about it all comes back to one thing — the what we want to say, to believe what people like Bill Shorten, Stephen Labor Party taking the people of we want to believe, to think what we Conroy and Brendan O’Connor. Brimbank and the people of the want to think and indeed to sit in this These are the puppet masters behind western suburbs for granted. It has got very Parliament. the scenes. to stop. It does not matter how many Australia has a proud history of Their activities would stump Batman councils are sacked, as Ms Hartland defending freedom. On every occasion and send Elliott Ness to a home for the said, and it does not matter what we Australians have been called to arms permanently bewildered, such are the do: this sort of corruption and abuse it has been in defence of freedom. activities of these sorts of characters will continue as long as the Labor Party Every Australian should be proud in the Brimbank area. They have not has such total contempt for the people that we have fought fascism, that we been exposed; they have not had to of the western suburbs. It must stop! It have fought communism and that we face justice as they should. As in a good can no longer be tolerated. are currently fighting extreme Islam; many movies there is an element of The fact that Labor Party members totalitarianism of every kind has been tragedy. Perhaps the most tragically — the government of the state — have our enemy. afflicted in Brimbank — The Movie chosen not to speak on this bill is a fair Throughout our 108-year history could be the councillors who have indication to me that that contempt is we have defended freedom. We have been sacked. As I mentioned earlier, alive and well and going strong. At the joined other freedom-loving nations these councillors were sacked largely very least one member, perhaps even to support and defend freedom for the sins of the councillors who a lowly backbencher — perhaps Mr throughout the world. As the house went before them. Councillors such as Theophanous — might get up before sits on this Remembrance Day 2009, Margaret Giudice, who I regarded as an the debate is over and apologise by Australian troops are continuing the excellent mayor of Brimbank when she saying, ‘We are sorry for what we have Aussie legacy in Afghanistan. May held the position, and Marion Martin, done to you’. I say to the members God bless those troops and keep them who was newly elected to the council. of the Labor Party that if they have a safe, and may we always be grateful for They were sacked, but they were conscience, they should apologise to and never forget those who have gone without guilt. There is no justice when the people of Brimbank for what they before them. people are sacked for somebody else’s have done to the councillors who have crime. It does not make a lot of sense no guilt and most importantly for what to me, and if that is the government’s they have done to the ratepayers and COUNCIL | Adjournment attitude, then there are probably a lot residents of Brimbank, who do not 12 November 2009 of people in a lot of strife. Justice in this deserve what this government has regard has been a major casualty. meted out to them over so many years. A major tragedy has been suffered There are many points to be made, for a good many years by the people more than I can possibly ever make Autism: schools of Brimbank — the people in sports tonight, but there is one thing that is clubs, in community groups and in a overwhelmingly clear. As this debate funding range of council-supported services continues — and I have to say it will Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — who have suffered over a long not go away, because too many people — I wish to raise a matter for the period because of the carry-on of this have been hurt by the Labor Party attention of the Minister for Education. council. These are the people at the in Brimbank for it to just disappear This matter follows a series of forefront of my mind whenever I have — there is one point that is clear and correspondence and discussions I raised this matter in the past and as I understood by everybody, wherever have had with a constituent, Ms Wilma stand and speak in the house tonight. they may be and whoever they may La Greca. She tells me she is a single I am hopeful we can work together to be, and that point is that Labor stands parent of two special needs boys get the sort of justice for the people of condemned in this whole shameful and she has been trying for almost Brimbank that they deserve. That is episode. Hopefully it can get its act six months to get help with funding first and foremost in my mind. together, but I will not be holding my for an autism teacher assistant and That leaves only one question: breath. for personal computer software. She will we have a happy ending to this says she lives in Greenvale, and her episode? I have to say I very much 15-year-old son goes to Essendon doubt it. With respect to Ms Hartland, COUNCIL | Members Statements East Keilor District College in Niddrie it will certainly take more than one 11 November 2009 and her 11-year-old son goes to year to sort out the mess that is Broadmeadows Primary School. Both Brimbank and the Labor Party in boys have Asperger’s syndrome and Brimbank. attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Both have integration assistance — the Mrs Peulich — It is like Days of Our Remembrance 15-year-old has level 2 assistance and Lives. the 11-year-old has level 3. Mr FINN — It is not a very pleasant Day Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — It Ms La Greca has informed me that life, I have do say. This sort of abuse is something of a truism to say that the of late she has become increasingly and corruption will continue as long price of freedom is eternal vigilance. concerned because her teenager as the Labor Party continues to take Today we remember those who paid is very stressed out as things are the people in the west of Melbourne

IN 20 July 2009 - December 2009 FINN THE HOUSE Autism: schools funding... becoming more and more difficult for indeed the gang warfare, in the from time to time they do let us down. him, and the 11-year-old is going pretty western suburbs has not improved How often do our newspapers feature much the same way. She points out to since the time I first raised the matter. on their front pages headlines such me that she definitely needs autism In fact last Friday at the Robert as ‘Fallen sports hero’? It can leave a teachers who would be able to explain Barrett Reserve in Maribyrnong, very nasty taste in the mouth. For that to her sons exactly what is going on at at around 8 o’clock, there was an reason as much as any other, when school and to guide those around them attack involving a variety of weapons we come across a true champion we as well. including machetes and knives. should celebrate them, particularly My concern is not just for Ms La Then around 2 hours later there was when an illustrious career comes to an Greca, but also for an increasing a full-on attack, what I suppose you end. number of parents with autistic would call an open warfare attack at, Known Australia-wide simply as children who find themselves in the Sunshine bus depot. I have visited ‘Richo’, Matthew Richardson recently exactly the same situation. There the depot before and have seen the announced an end to his 17-year has been an explosion of autism gang activity there. There were 60 to 70 career with the Richmond Football right across Australia, and in fact youths involved from gangs including Club. right across the world. We here in the Asian gang B4L and TT/20-30, Mr Koch interjected. Victoria need to examine and review which is the postcode for Sunshine. Mr FINN — Mr Koch barracks the services we provide for children On Saturday night, following an for Geelong, and he said, ‘Thank with autism and for their parents, attack on a bouncer at a nightclub, goodness!’. I am not surprised he said particularly, as I have pointed out in there was gang-related violence at the that. this house before, as children with Royal Melbourne Hospital emergency Matthew Richardson did not quite autism are quite capable in many department. It is yet to be decided get to 300 games, but he played every instances of leading very normal and whether that was related to the earlier game with passion and good old- productive lives if they are treated and attack, but certainly there are reports, fashioned love of the jumper. The love given the right assistance at the right and I have received reports, that there that Richo showed for Richmond was time. was gang-related violence at that reciprocated by hundreds of thousands I ask the Minister for Education to hospital. of Tigers fans throughout the nation take into consideration the position Ms We now have a situation where and shared most recently by millions of La Greca finds herself in and to review people are confronted with gang footy fans not of the black-and-yellow and examine the case of her children. violence on public transport, on faith. Who could forget the palpable I have a lot of correspondence that I our streets, in schools and now in sense of disappointment when Richo would be very happy to pass on to the hospitals. It is clearly totally and just missed out on the Brownlow minister. absolutely out of control. This Medal last year? Richo is a champion I ask her to examine this particular government can no longer sit back of champions: a champion football case and provide the support Ms La and do nothing about it, so I ask the player and a champion bloke. Greca needs for her two children and minister as a matter of urgency to also to have a deep thought process convene a task force involving police, about what is needed to help and youth workers, education department COUNCIL | Adjournment support children with autism who are officials and representatives of local 26 November 2009 attempting to go to school in this state. governments to sit down and decide what needs to be done to tackle this issue before we see more bloodshed. COUNCIL | Adjournment I have spoken to renowned youth Housing: 24 November 2009 worker Les Twentyman. He is very happy to sit on this task force. I ask the Sunshine minister to act and to act now. development Western suburbs: Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) COUNCIL | Members Statements — I wish to raise a matter for the gang violence 25 November 2009 attention of the Minister for Planning. Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) It concerns a proposed social housing — The matter I raise is for the development for disadvantaged attention of the Minister for Police women in Sunshine. It has caused and Emergency Services. I first raised some consternation in the local this matter on 22 May 2007, and it Matthew community — perhaps even some concerns gang violence, particularly in outrage. I wish to refer to the letters the western suburbs. At that time the Richardson Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) page in one of the local newspapers then Chief Commissioner of Police not — Melbourne very much prides itself to convey some of the community only declared that there was no gang on being the sports capital of the attitudes toward this particular violence in Melbourne, much less the world, and with very good reason. development. One letter says: western suburbs — — Whether it be football, cricket, soccer, ... inadequate parking, shortage of Mrs Coote — Christine? basketball or a number of other sports, space, no social and support services, Mr FINN — I cannot remember her Melbourne excels in all of those areas. traffic issues for immediate surrounding streets, noise levels from a licensed name, but she would not even use the We quite often elevate sportsmen word ‘gang’. As I recall; she used to use entertainment venue with live music and women to the position of heroes, two nights a week. the term the ‘g-word’; a quite ludicrous and they are often role models for our It is proposed that these units will be position for somebody in her role. I children. We quite often hold them up transitional housing for women in crisis. am sad to say that the gang violence, as pillars of virtue, but unfortunately These women and children will need

IN FINN THE HOUSE July 2009 - December 2009 21 Housing: Sunshine development... support to get back on their feet. They a piece of correspondence I have January and February. I ask the police do not need to feel isolated and they received from the City of Hobsons Bay, minister to use his position to bring certainly do not need the temptations of based in Williamstown and Altona. The some influence to bear upon the chief alcohol and gambling on their doorstep. correspondence reads as follows: commissioner to convince him of the I should mention that this particular At its meeting on Tuesday, 17 importance of this request. development is proposed to be November 2009, Hobsons Bay City attached to the Sunshine RSL Club, Council resolved to seek urgent support which of course is licensed both for for an annual police kiosk at Altona COUNCIL | Members Statements the serving of alcohol and for gaming. Beach, including additional police 9 December 2009 Another letter says: resources. There are also major concerns This request is based on recent about potentially huge car parking incidents in the area and community and traffic management issues not to concerns regarding public safety. mention a potential loss of, what has The kiosk would ensure a permanent Western suburbs: been acknowledged by Brimbank City police presence over the warmer Council and state government, very months, in the vicinity of Altona Beach government scarce and highly valued parkland/ and the Pier Street precinct and provide playground space in Sunshine. the police with the resources required performance There is enormous concern about to enforce the alcohol restrictions in Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) Altona, discourage antisocial behaviour this, and I have received, as I am sure and hooning and protect shops and — This being the last sitting week of the minister has, an enormous number community assets. 2009 I think it important at the end of of emails and an enormous number of This is a major issue right through this year to review the plight of people phone calls and other types of contact the western suburbs, as I have pointed living in the western suburbs. Sadly, I from many members of the Sunshine out from time to time. The lack of have to report that there has community about it. There is genuine police from one end of the west to the been no major change throughout concern about the impact such a other is in fact a total disgrace. It is 2009. Neglect by this government is development will have on the women something that is very much in need still the order of the day. Whether it be who would be living there. Many of of urgent attention from the minister, public transport, whether it be health, them would be coming straight from as it seems the Chief Commissioner of whether it be schools falling to pieces jail into the housing, which would Police is unable to solve the problems or roads, Labor just does not care. be a halfway house of sorts into the that we have out there. Throughout the course of this year community. There is genuine concern In this particular instance the we have seen some corruption in about what this development would Hobsons Bay City Council has asked the Labor empire, which has been mean not just for local people but for for our support in providing an extra peeled away for us to have a bit of a the women themselves. police presence during the summer peek at, and one cannot help but feel I therefore ask the Minister for months to protect those many that the best is yet to come. Labor’s Planning to give me a date that he will thousands of beachgoers and those contempt for the west is obvious, be available to come out to Sunshine who visit the Pier Street precinct — a because not only is it not content with for a public meeting. I will be happy to very pleasant area, I might say, and dumping duds from the other side of hire the hall. Maybe we could use the one that I would hope the minister Melbourne on us but we now see the Brimbank council chamber; it is not would see fit to use some influence ALP importing hacks from interstate being used for much else these days. If to protect. That is what I am asking to dump on those of us who live in the the minister would be kind enough to him to do: to use his influence with western suburbs. give me a date, I will be very happy to the chief commissioner, to take his Let me assure members that anger organise that meeting. Other members responsibilities seriously for once in towards this government, anger representing the area would also be his short term — far too long term — as towards this Labor Party is building very welcome. minister. to explosive proportions in the west Indeed those who are seeking to Mrs Peulich — Soon to be short. of Melbourne. As we have come to represent the area in the future would Mr FINN — Soon to be shortened, expect, even in terms of that anger, also be welcome to join us on this one would hope. I ask the minister to Labor does not care. occasion. I ask the minister to take my use his influence to point out to the It does not matter what the issue is, request into consideration. This is a chief commissioner that the people it does not matter what the concerns of very important issue for the Sunshine in Altona, particularly around Altona people living in the west of Melbourne community, and I ask him to come out Beach, will be in desperate need of are, members of the Labor Party just do and meet with us at his convenience. more police in the months ahead. not care. In November next year I have The Hobsons Bay council has a feeling they just might. thought the matter so important that it COUNCIL | Adjournment has brought it to my attention. I point 8 December 2009 out to the minister of course that most members of the Hobsons Bay council are not of my political persuasion but have felt it necessary to bring this Police: Altona matter to my attention in the hope that we might be able to get some response, Beach some very positive response, from the Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) police minister and ultimately the chief — I wish to raise a matter for the commissioner in the not-too-distant attention of the Minister for Police and future, certainly before the warmer Emergency Services, and it concerns summer months hit us through

IN 22 July 2009 - December 2009 FINN THE HOUSE COUNCIL | Adjournment 10 December 2009 particular I ask the minister to impress upon VicRoads as a result of this review the need for that organisation to be on the ball when it comes to using VicRoads: correct signage on the side of the road so that this sort of annoyance will not roadworks occur in future. President, I take this final signage opportunity to wish you and all Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) members of the house and their — I raise a matter for the attention families a very merry Christmas. of the Minister for Roads and Ports. The matter concerns one of the more mysterious organisations on the face of the earth — VicRoads. In particular I refer to the use by VicRoads of roadworks signage. It has been a matter of bewilderment to me for quite some time, and I seek some answers from the minister regarding it. The matter concerns in particular the situation where there is roadworks signage but no roadworks. Just the other night on the Western Ring Road I was travelling near Calder Park Drive — which is near the airport, for those who may not be aware of it. I was driving along doing 100 kilometres per hour, as I always do with that speed limit. All of a sudden we were told to do 80 kilometres per hour, so I went down to 80, and then we were told to do 60 kilometres per hour, so I went down to 60, and then we were told to do 40, so I went down to 40. Then there was a sign saying, ‘End roadworks’, but I had not seen any roadworks whilst we had been decreasing speed. I have to say that this situation is not unusual. It is a mystery to me why this happens, but it happens all too often, and in my experience it happens a fair bit around the western suburbs — not that I would expect the minister to know that it happens in the western suburbs. He rarely gets there. This situation is extremely confusing. It is annoying for motorists who obey the law. Of course there are motorists who do not care what signage is up. They drive straight through at 200 kilometres an hour anyway, but for those of us who obey the law it is confusing. It is extremely annoying and bewildering when motorists like me are trying to work out what is going on. Some cynics have suggested that this may be a plan by this government to raise a bit of money with speed cameras. They confuse the punters and set up speed cameras and do a bit of revenue raising, which this government is particularly good at. I ask the Minister for Roads and Ports to conduct a review of the use of roadworks signage by VicRoads. In

IN FINN THE HOUSE July 2009 - December 2009 23 FINN IN THE HOUSE Speeches July 2009 to December 2009

Published by Bernie Finn MP Member for Western Metropolitan Region Acting President of the Legislative Council

277 Hampshire Road, Sunshine Victoria 3020 Telephone (03) 9312 1212 • Fax (03) 9312 4598 Email [email protected] Web www.berniefinn.com