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MRA Editorial Comment on the following Media Release
The Monash Ratepayers Association is a non-political organization and always endeavours to remain politically impartial and focused on local Government issues.
The MRA normally only publishes material about other levels of Government if the material relates to actions or impending actions of other levels of Government that impact on Local Government. We believe that the following Liberal Media Release is such an example.
This media release exposes that the Minister for Local Government, Candy Broad, has arranged a secret briefing for Labor Councillors only prior to the Vital for Melbourne 2030 forum on Wednesday, 11 May at Nauru House in Melbourne. In our view this action is politicising the third level of Government and is totally unacceptable.
We invite the Minister for Local Government to write to the MRA explaining her actions on this matter. We will publish any correspondence from her that we receive, but advise that, given the seriousness of this matter as far as we are concerned, we will most probably include our own editorial comment with it.
SECRET LABOR COUNCILLOR BRIEFING: WERE YOU INVITED?
Liberal Spokesperson for Local Government, John Vogels said he was extremely disappointed, but not surprised, that Labor’s Minister for Local Government Candy Broad has completely politicised the third tier of government.
“Candy Broad will address ALP councillors only at a breakfast briefing prior to the Vital for Melbourne 2030 forum on Wednesday, 11 May at Nauru House in Melbourne,” Mr Vogels said.
“No doubt this secret ALP meeting is intended to make sure ALP councillors are well versed in espousing the Bracks Government’s policies.
“They will probably have Dorothy Dixers – pre-prepared questions – ready for the speakers in the ‘ideas and action’ section of the official Melbourne 2030 forum.”
Mr Vogels said the secret ‘ALP Councillors’ Breakfast Briefing’ will take place in the Haymarket Room, RMIT Village on Flemington in North Melbourne from 7-8.30am before the official Vital for Melbourne 2030 forum at 9am which is presumably open to all councillors.
“It is disgraceful that Candy Broad is only giving special treatment to councillors affiliated with her party. All Victorian councillors should be entitled to attend this briefing,” Mr Vogels said.
“I urge all councillors to make their feelings known about being excluded from this ALP-only briefing. Better yet, why not go along?
“It is also interesting to note that the breakfast meeting is being organised by the Australian Services Union whose previous president, Paul Slade has recently been appointed Chairperson of the Victorian Grants Commission.”
Mr Vogels said: “The Bracks Government and Candy Broad have managed to completely politicise local government at the expense of independent and non-ALP councillors.
“Councillors who weren’t invited have every right to be furious.”
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