DOCSLIB.ORG

Whistleblowers Protection Act 2001 Investigation Into the Alleged

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Whistleblowers Protection Act 2001 Investigation Into the Alleged Whistleblowers Protection Act 2001 Investigation into the alleged improper conduct of councillors at Brimbank City Council May 2009 Ordered to be printed Victorian government printer Session 2006-09 P.P. No. 188 2 3 LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL To The Honourable the President of the Legislative Council and The Honourable the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly Pursuant to section 103 of the Whistleblowers Protection Act 2001, I present to the Parliament the report of an investigation into the alleged improper conduct of councillors at Brimbank City Council. G E Brouwer OMBUDSMAN 4 CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 8 Dysfunctional council 9 Influence of unelected persons 9 Conflict of interest 10 Improper use of powers 10 Bullying and intimidation 11 Misuse of council funds and equipment 11 Inappropriate release of information 11 Improper use of electoral information 12 Local Government Victoria 12 Next steps 12 RECENT AMENDMENT TO THE WHISTLEBLOWERS PROTECTION ACT 14 DISCLOSURES UNDER THE WHISTLEBLOWERS PROTECTION ACT 16 INVESTIGATION 17 BACKGROUND 18 Local government 18 The role of councillors 19 Brimbank City Council 21 INFLUENCE OF UNELECTED PERSONS 25 The Hon. Theo Theophanous, MLC 26 Mr Hakki Suleyman 36 Mr George Seitz, MP 40 Dr Andrew Theophanous and Mr Craig Otte 43 Conclusions 45 Appointing an administrator 46 Recommendations 46 5 DECISION-MAKING CONTRARY TO THE COMMUNITY INTEREST 47 I. Keilor Lodge Reserve 48 The direction 56 Conclusions 65 Recommendations 67 Expressions of interest 68 Conclusions 76 Recommendations 76 II. Cairnlea Park 77 Background 78 Conflict of interest 83 Demand for changes to the budget 84 Conclusions 89 Recommendations 91 INAPPROPRIATE RELEASE OF INFORMATION 92 In camera resolution - Cr Eriksson 92 Leak to Brimbank Leader – Cr Capar 96 Conclusions 97 Recommendations 98 BREACH OF THE VICTORIAN ELECTORAL ACT Victorian Electoral Commission records 99 Conclusions 103 Recommendations 104 INAPPROPRIATE CONDUCT OF INDIVIDUAL COUNCILLORS 105 Cr Suleyman 107 Cr Capar 126 Cr Abate 140 Other councillor conduct 147 6 MISUSE OF ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT: PORNOGRAPHIC AND INAPPROPRIATE MATERIAL 152 Conclusions 155 Recommendation 156 INAPPROPRIATE USE OF COUNCIL FUNDS AND PROPERTY 157 Excessive councillor telephone expenditure 158 Conclusions 166 Recommendations 167 Mayoral and councillor gifts 169 Conclusions 173 Recommendations 173 Former CEO’s remuneration package 175 Conclusions 180 Recommendation 180 THE CULTURE OF BRIMBANK 181 Training for councillors 182 The role of the mayor 184 The 2007-08 faction 185 Conclusions 187 LOCAL GOVERNMENT VICTORIA 188 Brimbank 188 Conclusions 195 Recommendations 196 SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS 197 7 ATTACHMENT 1: Email from Cr Suleyman to Dr A. Theophanous, 18 April 2008 200 ATTACHMENT 2: Email from Dr A. Theophanous to Cr David, 19 April 2008 201 ATTACHMENT 3: Email from Cr David to Dr A. Theophanous, 19 April 200 202 ATTACHMENT 4: Email from Dr A. Theophanous to Cr Suleyman, 14 July 2008 203 ATTACHMENT 5: Emails between Cr Eriksson and Cr Suleyman, 15-16 July 2008 204 ATTACHMENT 6: The direction 205 ATTACHMENT 7: Councillor Code of Governance 206 ATTACHMENT 8: Email from Cr Capar to Petech Minh Chau, 16 September 2007 217 ATTACHMENT 9: Email from Cr Capar to Petech Minh Chau, 7 October 2007 218 ATTACHMENT 10: Analysis of telephone/fax, mobile and broadband over last council term 219 8 EXECUTIVE summary 1. In Victoria, councillors are elected to make decisions on a wide range of matters that directly affect the way people live, work and conduct business in a municipality. The Local Government Act 1989 provides the framework within which councils operate. 2. Councillors are mandated to represent the interests of the community and to faithfully and impartially carry out their functions to the best of their skill and judgment. They are required to act honestly and to exercise reasonable care and diligence; and must not make improper use of their position, or information acquired because of their position, to advantage themselves or any other person, or to cause detriment to the council. 3. Sadly, my investigation into the conduct of councillors at Brimbank City Council (Brimbank) identified that the behaviour of many councillors failed to meet these standards. 4. My investigation was triggered by disclosures made under the Whistleblowers Protection Act 2001 alleging that: • councillors placed Brimbank at financial risk by directing that the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) remove funds from a project in retaliation for a councillor’s failure to gain Australian Labor Party (ALP) pre-selection for the Kororoit by-election • a councillor knowingly released a confidential resolution to the media • a councillor threatened staff, late in the budget process, that the budget would not be carried if approximately $680,000 was not allocated to a sporting ground connected to the councillor’s family. 5. As a result of the disclosures, I decided to investigate whether Brimbank councillors had: a) performed their functions as public officers dishonestly or with inappropriate partiality b) breached public trust c) misused information or material acquired in the performance of their duties d) mismanaged public resources e) conspired with each other to engage in conduct referred to in paragraphs (a), (b), (c) and (d). 9 Dysfunctional council 6. The evidence revealed a council that was generally dysfunctional and marked by in-fighting and interpersonal conflicts. It was clear that the council had split into two groups, the ‘ruling faction’ and the minority councillors, and that the council was unable to govern as a whole. One councillor referred to there being a ‘cold war impasse’ between the factions since May 2007. This impeded the council’s ability to function effectively. Influence of unelected persons 7. It became evident early in my investigation that the operation and governance of the council was influenced by individuals who held no elected local government office, including individuals who would be, or were in the past, precluded from holding office because of criminal convictions. Such individuals have not taken an oath of office to act in the best interests of the community serviced by the council and are not subject to the conduct rules of the Local Government Act. Their influence was exerted behind closed doors and at times for their own personal or political motivations. 8. Where undue influence is exerted it can impede councillors’ ability to make objective and independent decisions in the interests of their community. Where councillors allow such influence to be exercised over them, they place themselves at risk of not being able to exercise their functions in accordance with their statutory obligations. 9. Decisions about Keilor Lodge Reserve and the Sydenham Park Soccer Club were significantly influenced behind the scenes by individuals who held no elected local government office. 10. If this culture at Brimbank persists, there is a risk that those charged with the responsibility of representing Brimbank will make decisions based on factional or political alliances, and not in the best interests of the community. 11. I therefore consider that the Minister should closely monitor the activities of the council. Should the Minister determine that practices similar to those that occurred prior to the 2008 election are occurring, or that outside influences continue to be similarly exercised, he should consider taking action. Such action may include suspending or dismissing the council, with a view to enabling Brimbank to be properly and effectively governed. 10 Conflict of interest 12. My investigation also highlighted that conflict of interest continues to be an issue pervading local government. I concluded that members of the ‘ruling faction’ failed to identify and address conflicts between their public duties and private interests. However, the broader issue of conflict of interest was not solely confined to the ‘ruling faction’. 13. While some of the problems related to conflict of interest resulted from a lack of understanding of conflict of interest principles, others reflected deliberate misconduct on the part of the councillors involved. This included placing their private interests first and using their positions to obtain confidential information. 14. My investigation also identified concerns with councillors working in the offices of Members of Parliament. In my view, this creates a clear conflict of ‘duty’ and ‘duty’. I identified two instances where a councillor’s duty to a Member of Parliament impacted upon the performance of the councillor’s public functions. 15. I was concerned that some individuals failed to recognise the broader ethical obligations of public officers to avoid conflicts of interest, preferring instead to rely on a narrow interpretation of conflict of interest and limited legislative provisions. Improper use of powers 16. My investigation also identified that the behaviour of the ‘ruling faction’ and others was often not concerned with ‘peace, order or good government’, as is required under the Local Government Act. The evidence points to councillors in the ‘ruling faction’ voting in a block to support the faction, even when those decisions were not necessarily in the best interests of the community. 17. Some decisions appear to have been made for personal gain; to cause detriment to the council; or in retaliation for broken promises. In my view, some decisions represent a misuse of position by councillors elected to represent the community and give rise to likely breaches of the Local Government Act. 18. The ‘ruling faction’ demonstrated that it was willing to place the council at financial risk for a personal vendetta. The six majority councillors issued a written direction to the CEO, instructing him to withdraw budget funding for works at the Keilor Lodge Reserve, in spite of the fact that such action could cost the council in excess of $100,000 for breach of contract. 11 Bullying and intimidation 19. My investigation also revealed a culture in which the overbearing attitude of a councillor was allowed to substantially modify how a budget should be developed without the matter going to a full council meeting.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • 03–04 Department of Infrastructure Annual Report I
    03–04 Department of Infrastructure Annual Report i Annual Report 2003–04 29 October 2004 The Hon. Peter Batchelor MP Minister for Transport and Minister for Major Projects The Hon. Theo Theophanous MLC Minister for Energy Industries and Resources The Hon. Marsha Thomson MLC Minister for Information and Communication Technology 80 Collins Street Melbourne 3000 www.doi.vic.gov.au Dear Ministers Annual Report 2003–04 In accordance with the provisions of the Financial Management Act 1994, I have pleasure in submitting for presentation to Parliament the Department of Infrastructure Annual Report for the year ended 30 June 2004. Yours sincerely Howard Ronaldson Secretary Department of Infrastructure ii Published by Corporate Public Affairs Department of Infrastructure Level 29, 80 Collins Street, Melbourne October 2004 Also published on www.doi.vic.gov.au © State of Victoria 2004 This publication is copyright. No part may be reproduced by any process except in accordance with the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968 Authorised by the Victorian Government, 80 Collins Street, Melbourne Printed by Finsbury Press, 46 Wirraway Drive, Port Melbourne, Victoria iii Secretary’s Foreword It has been a busy year for the Department of Infrastructure system. The Metropolitan Transport Plan is due for (DOI) portfolio. release in the near future Notable achievements for 2003–04 include: • a stronger emphasis on safety and security across the portfolio, particularly in rail • the establishment of stable commercial arrangements for the conduct of urban train
    [Show full text]
  • Help Save Quality Disability Services in Victoria HACSU MEMBER CAMPAIGNING KIT the Campaign Against Privatisation of Public Disability Services the Campaign So Far
    Help save quality disability services in Victoria HACSU MEMBER CAMPAIGNING KIT The campaign against privatisation of public disability services The campaign so far... How can we win a This is where we are up to, but we still have a long way to go • Launched our marginal seats campaign against the • We have been participating in the NDIS Taskforce, Andrews Government. This includes 45,000 targeted active in the Taskforce subcommittees in relation to phone calls to three of Victoria’s most marginal seats the future workforce, working on issues of innovation quality NDIS? (Frankston, Carrum and Bentleigh). and training and building support against contracting out. HACSU is campaigning to save public disability services after the Andrews Labor • Staged a pre-Christmas statewide protest in Melbourne; an event that received widespread media • We are strongly advocating for detailed workforce Government’s announcement that it will privatise disability services. There’s been a wide attention. research that looks at the key issues of workforce range of campaign activities, and we’ve attracted the Government’s attention. retention and attraction, and the impact contracting • Set up a public petition; check it out via out would have on retention. However, to win this campaign, and maintain quality disability services for Victorians, dontdisposeofdisability.org, don’t forget to make sure your colleagues sign! • We have put forward an important disability service we have to sustain the grassroots union campaign. This means, every member has to quality policy, which is about the need for ongoing contribute. • HACSU is working hard to contact families, friends and recognition of disability work as a profession, like guardians of people with disabilities to further build nursing and teaching, and the introduction of new We need to be taking collective and individual actions.
    [Show full text]
  • Department of Infrastructure Annual Report 2002-2003
    Department of Infrastructure annual report Department of Infrastructure Level 14, 80 Collins Street Melbourne Victoria 3000 2002–03 Tel. (03) 9655 6666 Department of Infrastructure October 2003 annual report 2002-03 Annual Report 2002–03 29 October 2003 The Hon. Peter Batchelor MP Minister for Transport and Minister for Major Projects The Hon. Theo Theophanous MLC Minister for Energy Industries and Resources The Hon. Marsha Thomson MLC Minister for Information and Communication Technology 80 Collins Street Melbourne 3000 www.doi.vic.gov.au Dear Ministers Annual Report 2002–03 In accordance with the provisions of the Financial Management Act 1994, I have pleasure in submitting for presentation to Parliament the Department of Infrastructure Annual Report for the year ended 30 June 2003. Yours sincerely Howard Ronaldson Secretary Department of Infrastructure annual report 2002–03 i DEPARTMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE The Department of Infrastructure (DOI) aims to be a leader in policy, planning, development and delivery of integrated infrastructure that contributes to sustainable environmental, economic and social development in Victoria. VISION To be a department that delivers the Government’s Growing Victoria Together vision by providing innovative and integrated strategic advice and project delivery consistent with a triple-bottom-line framework. ii Department of Infrastructure MISSION The purpose of DOI is to lead, in collaboration with stakeholders and the community, strategic planning, integration, development and management of transport,
    [Show full text]
  • In the Public Interest
    In the Public Interest 150 years of the Victorian Auditor-General’s Office Peter Yule Copyright Victorian Auditor-General’s Office First published 2002 This book is copyright. Apart from any use permitted under the Copyright Act, no part may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted by any means or process whatsoever without prior written permission. ISBN 0 7311 5984 5 Front endpaper: Audit Office staff, 1907. Back endpaper: Audit Office staff, 2001. iii Foreword he year 2001 assumed much significance for the Victorian Auditor-General’s Office as Tit marked the 150th anniversary of the appointment in July 1851 of the first Victorian Auditor-General, Charles Hotson Ebden. In commemoration of this major occasion, we decided to commission a history of the 150 years of the Office and appointed Dr Peter Yule, to carry out this task. The product of the work of Peter Yule is a highly informative account of the Office over the 150 year period. Peter has skilfully analysed the personalities and key events that have characterised the functioning of the Office and indeed much of the Victorian public sector over the years. His book will be fascinating reading to anyone interested in the development of public accountability in this State and of the forces of change that have progressively impacted on the powers and responsibilities of Auditors-General. Peter Yule was ably assisted by Geoff Burrows (Associate Professor in Accounting, University of Melbourne) who, together with Graham Hamilton (former Deputy Auditor- General), provided quality external advice during the course of the project.
    [Show full text]
  • AUSTRALIAN EDUCATION UNION Victorian Labor
    AUSTRALIAN EDUCATION UNION Victorian Branch Victorian Labor MPs We want you to email the MP in the electoral district where your school is based. If your school is not in a Labor held area then please email a Victorian Labor upper house MP who covers your area from the separate list below. Click here if you need to look it up. Email your local MP and cc the Education Minister and the Premier Legislative Assembly MPs (lower house) ELECTORAL DISTRICT MP NAME MP EMAIL MP TELEPHONE Albert Park Martin Foley [email protected] (03) 9646 7173 Altona Jill Hennessy [email protected] (03) 9395 0221 Bass Jordan Crugname [email protected] (03) 5672 4755 Bayswater Jackson Taylor [email protected] (03) 9738 0577 Bellarine Lisa Neville [email protected] (03) 5250 1987 Bendigo East Jacinta Allan [email protected] (03) 5443 2144 Bendigo West Maree Edwards [email protected] 03 5410 2444 Bentleigh Nick Staikos [email protected] (03) 9579 7222 Box Hill Paul Hamer [email protected] (03) 9898 6606 Broadmeadows Frank McGuire [email protected] (03) 9300 3851 Bundoora Colin Brooks [email protected] (03) 9467 5657 Buninyong Michaela Settle [email protected] (03) 5331 7722 Activate. Educate. Unite. 1 Burwood Will Fowles [email protected] (03) 9809 1857 Carrum Sonya Kilkenny [email protected] (03) 9773 2727 Clarinda Meng
    [Show full text]
  • 6 April to 15 May 2017 Letter From
    Issue 89 6 April to 15 May 2017 Letter from CanberrSaving you time for nine years. a Cold Autumn Edition • 18 C (free speech and similar). • Keating and others on Housing • A not-strong energy system, grid and all • Gas and cattle • Sally McManus In This Issue • More on free speech • Housing. Housing • Hawke Beer Letter From Canberra // Issue 90 Letter from Saving you time for nine years. CanberrA monthly digest of news from around Australia. a Saving you time; now in its ninth year. About Us CONTENTS Media .....................................................10 Affairs of State 43 Richmond Terrace Editorial ....................................................3 IT ............................................................10 Richmond, Melbourne, 3000 Victoria, Australia Governance ..............................................3 Immigration ...........................................10 P +61 408 033 110 [email protected] The Budget ................................................3 Justice .....................................................10 www.affairs.com.au Party Happenings .................................. 4 Housing ..................................................10 Letter From Canberra is a monthly public affairs bulletin, a simple précis, distilling and Industrial Relations and Employment . 5 Welfare ................................................... 11 interpreting public policy and government decisions, which affect business oppor- Business, Economy, Manufacturing and Transport ...............................................
    [Show full text]
  • An Examination of Australians of Hellenic Descent in the State Parliament of Victoria
    LOUCA.qxd 15/1/2001 3:19 ìì Page 115 Louca, Procopis 2003. An Examination of Australians of Hellenic Descent in the State Parliament of Victoria. In E. Close, M. Tsianikas and G. Frazis (Eds.) “Greek Research in Australia: Proceedings of the Fourth Biennial Conference of Greek Studies, Flinders University, September 2001”. Flinders University Department of Languages – Modern Greek: Adelaide, 115-132. An Examination of Australians of Hellenic Descent in the State Parliament of Victoria Procopis Louca Victoria, the second most populated State in Australia, is widely claimed to include as its capital the third largest Grecophone city in the world, after Athens and Thessaloniki. The Victorian State Parliament has more members of Greek and Cypriot (Hellenic) background, than any other jurisdiction in the Commonwealth of Australia. Continuing a series of analyses of the role of elected State and Federal representatives of Hellenic descent in Australia (Louca, 2001), this paper will focus on the Victorian State Parliament, but with reference also to current and former Victorian Federal parliamentarians. There is an exploration of the cultural, political, social and personal influ- ences that guided these individuals to seek election to Parliament and their experiences as politicians with a Hellenic background. As at the beginning of 2002, six sitting members in the Victorian Parliament have a Hellenic background. Four represent the Australian Labor Party (ALP), two the Liberal Party. They are: Alex Andrianopoulos ALP Peter Katsambanis Liberal Nicholas Kotsiras Liberal Jenny Mikakos ALP John Pandazopoulos ALP Theo Theophanous ALP In addition to these current members, there are also two others who have re- tired from Parliament, or are deceased, Theo Sidiropoulos ALP (deceased) 115 Archived at Flinders University: dspace.flinders.edu.au LOUCA.qxd 15/1/2001 3:19 ìì Page 116 PROCOPIS LOUCA and Dimitri Dollis ALP (retired).
    [Show full text]
  • Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development
    Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development This annual report covers the Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development as an individual entity. Published by the Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development, Melbourne Victoria. October 2008 Annual Report 2007–08 This report is also available on the internet at: www.diird.vic.gov.au © Copyright State of Victoria 2008 This publication is copyright. No part may be reproduced except in accordance with the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968. Authorised by the Victorian Government Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development 121 Exhibition Street Melbourne VIC 3000 Postal Address PO Box 4509 Melbourne VIC 3001 Telephone: (03) 9651 9999 Facsimile: (03) 9651 9962 www.diird.vic.gov.au Designed and produced by: Publicity Works Printed by: Impact Digital The paper used in this report is accredited to both ISO 14001 and Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) standards ensuring environmentally sustainable and responsible processes through all stages of material sourcing and manufacture. EMAS standards include third party auditing, public reporting and continual improvement programmes. Contents e Secretary’s foreword nt2 coOur Ministers 4 Economic context 5 Role and structure of the Department 6 Organisational chart 10 Governance arrangements 12 Strategic objectives 13 Develop 14 Connect 32 Promote 44 Shape 52 Strengthen 60 Financials 65 Appendices 116 1 Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development Annual Report 07–08 Secretary’s foreword or This has been a signifi cant year for the Department of Ensuring that 90 per cent of young people in Victoria w Innovation, Industry and Regional Development.
    [Show full text]
  • Annual Report
    Department of Education, Employment and Training Annual ReportAnnual 1999–2000 DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING 2 Treasury Place East Melbourne Victoria 3002 GPO Box 4367 Melbourne Victoria 3001 Telephone (03) 9637 2000 Facsimile (03) 9637 3100 Website www.deet.vic.gov.au Annual Report Department of Education, Employment and Training The Hon. Mary Delahunty, MP Minister for Education The Hon. Lynne Kosky, MP Department of Education, Minister for Post Compulsory Education, Training and Employment Employment and Training The Hon. Justin Madden, MLC Minister for Youth Affairs Annual Report Dear Ministers I have pleasure in submitting the annual report of the Department of Education, Employment and Training for the year 1999–2000 1999–2000 in accordance with the Education Act 1958 and the Financial Management Act 1994. Yours sincerely Peter Allen Secretary Department of Education, Employment and Training 2 Treasury Place East Melbourne Victoria 3002 GPO Box 4367 Melbourne Victoria 3001 Telephone (03) 9637 2000 Facsimile (03) 9637 3100 Website www.deet.vic.gov.au Department of Education, O verview Employment and Training Annual Report 1999–2000 Education and training are the first priorities of the Victorian Government. CONTENTS Mission Overview 1 To ensure that all Victorians have the knowledge and skills to Focus on people 17 participate as responsible, informed and productive citizens in our society. School education 29 Tertiary education, employment and training 59 Principles 83 Youth The Department’s mission can be best
    [Show full text]
  • Federal & State Mp Phone Numbers
    FEDERAL & STATE MP PHONE NUMBERS Contact your federal and state members of parliament and ask them if they are committed to 2 years of preschool education for every child. Federal electorate MP’s name Political party Phone Federal electorate MP’s name Political party Phone Aston Alan Tudge Liberal (03) 9887 3890 Hotham Clare O’Neil Labor (03) 9545 6211 Ballarat Catherine King Labor (03) 5338 8123 Indi Catherine McGowan Independent (03) 5721 7077 Batman Ged Kearney Labor (03) 9416 8690 Isaacs Mark Dreyfus Labor (03) 9580 4651 Bendigo Lisa Chesters Labor (03) 5443 9055 Jagajaga Jennifer Macklin Labor (03) 9459 1411 Bruce Julian Hill Labor (03) 9547 1444 Kooyong Joshua Frydenberg Liberal (03) 9882 3677 Calwell Maria Vamvakinou Labor (03) 9367 5216 La Trobe Jason Wood Liberal (03) 9768 9164 Casey Anthony Smith Liberal (03) 9727 0799 Lalor Joanne Ryan Labor (03) 9742 5800 Chisholm Julia Banks Liberal (03) 9808 3188 Mallee Andrew Broad National 1300 131 620 Corangamite Sarah Henderson Liberal (03) 5243 1444 Maribyrnong William Shorten Labor (03) 9326 1300 Corio Richard Marles Labor (03) 5221 3033 McEwen Robert Mitchell Labor (03) 9333 0440 Deakin Michael Sukkar Liberal (03) 9874 1711 McMillan Russell Broadbent Liberal (03) 5623 2064 Dunkley Christopher Crewther Liberal (03) 9781 2333 Melbourne Adam Bandt Greens (03) 9417 0759 Flinders Gregory Hunt Liberal (03) 5979 3188 Melbourne Ports Michael Danby Labor (03) 9534 8126 Gellibrand Timothy Watts Labor (03) 9687 7661 Menzies Kevin Andrews Liberal (03) 9848 9900 Gippsland Darren Chester National
    [Show full text]
  • Parliament of Victoria
    Current Members - 23rd January 2019 Member's Name Contact Information Portfolios Hon The Hon. Daniel Michael 517A Princes Highway, Noble Park, VIC, 3174 Premier Andrews MP (03) 9548 5644 Leader of the Labor Party Member for Mulgrave [email protected] Hon The Hon. James Anthony 1635 Burwood Hwy, Belgrave, VIC, 3160 Minister for Education Merlino MP (03) 9754 5401 Deputy Premier Member for Monbulk [email protected] Deputy Leader of the Labor Party Hon The Hon. Michael Anthony 313-315 Waverley Road, Malvern East, VIC, 3145 Shadow Treasurer O'Brien MP (03) 9576 1850 Shadow Minister for Small Business Member for Malvern [email protected] Leader of the Opposition Leader of the Liberal Party Hon The Hon. Peter Lindsay Walsh 496 High Street, Echuca, VIC, 3564 Shadow Minister for Agriculture MP (03) 5482 2039 Shadow Minister for Regional Victoria and Member for Murray Plains [email protected] Decentralisation Shadow Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Leader of The Nationals Deputy Leader of the Opposition Hon The Hon. Colin William Brooks PO Box 79, Bundoora, VIC Speaker of the Legislative Assembly MP Suite 1, 1320 Plenty Road, Bundoora, VIC, 3083 Member for Bundoora (03) 9467 5657 [email protected] Member's Name Contact Information Portfolios Mr Shaun Leo Leane MLC PO Box 4307, Knox City Centre, VIC President of the Legislative Council Member for Eastern Metropolitan Suite 3, Level 2, 420 Burwood Highway, Wantirna, VIC, 3152 (03) 9887 0255 [email protected] Ms Juliana Marie Addison MP Ground Floor, 17 Lydiard Street North, Ballarat Central, VIC, 3350 Member for Wendouree (03) 5331 1003 [email protected] Hon The Hon.
    [Show full text]
  • Report of the Inquiry Into Anti‑Vilification Protections
    PARLIAMENT OF VICTORIA LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY Legal and Social Issues Committee Inquiry into anti‑vilification protections Parliament of Victoria Legislative Assembly Legal and Social Issues Committee Ordered to be published VICTORIAN GOVERNMENT PRINTER March 2021 PP No 207, Session 2018–2021 ISBN 978 1 922425 22 5 (print version), 978 1 922425 23 2 (PDF version) Committee membership CHAIR DEPUTY CHAIR Ms Natalie Suleyman MP Mr James Newbury MP St Albans Brighton Ms Christine Couzens MP Ms Emma Kealy MP Ms Michaela Settle MP Geelong Lowan Buninyong Mr David Southwick MP Mr Meng Heang Tak MP Caulfield Clarinda ii Legislative Assembly Legal and Social Issues Committee About the Committee Functions The Legal and Social Issues Standing Committee is established under the Legislative Assembly Standing Orders Chapter 24—Committees. The Committee’s functions are to inquire into and report on any proposal, matter or thing connected with— • the Department of Health and Human Services • the Department of Justice and Community Safety • the Department of Premier and Cabinet and related agencies. Secretariat Yuki Simmonds, Committee Manager Raylene D’Cruz, Research Officer (until 31 July 2020) Richard Slade, Research Officer (from 9 December 2019) Alice Petrie, Research Officer (from 10 August 2020 to February 2021) Catherine Smith, Administrative Officer (from 18 December 2019 to February 2021) Helen Ross-Soden, Administrative Officer (February 2021) Contact details Address Legislative Assembly Legal and Social Issues Committee Parliament of Victoria Spring Street EAST MELBOURNE VIC 3002 Phone 61 3 8682 2843 Email [email protected] Web https://parliament.vic.gov.au/lsic-la/inquiries/inquiry/982 This report is available on the Committee’s website.
    [Show full text]