Blow to Libs in Gippsland

May 12, 2008, 9:31pm, 238 views,  Leave a Comment

The Liberal Party’s campaign in Gippsland took a hit today when state campaign manager Susan Chandler resigned over sending an offensive email. Read more

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Victorian Liberal Party turmoil

May 10, 2008, 4:53pm, 259 views,  Leave a Comment

Red TedThe Victorian Liberal Party has sacked two staffers for running a hostile blog critical of leader “Red” Ted Baillieu.

The Age reported this online and it was exposed in detail on Andrew Landeryou’s blog.

Landeryou also links to copies of the offending blog, which is now officially accessible by invitation only.

Liberal Party Victorian president David Kemp said the pair had “been involved in acts of gross misconduct prejudicial to the party”. Read more

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Steve Bracks

July 28, 2007, 7:56am, 302 views,  Leave a Comment

Steve Bracks resigned as Premier of Victoria yesterday and John Thwaites resigned immediately afterwards as Deputy Premier.

Bracks has been one of Victoria’s best ever Premiers and finishes just short of 3000 days in office, which would have entitled him to a statue in Treasury Place. In John Brumby’s words he restored “decency” after the excesses of the Kennett years.

Thwaites was under a cloud though after his involvement in the ski rorts affair and having asked for free accommodation at National Parks. It would have been difficult for him to step into the role of Premier, whereas Brumby is a cleanskin.

Contrast the responses yesterday from the Opposition parties to Bracks’ announcement. Liberal Party leader Ted Baillieu was wild:

“Just eight months ago Victorians were invited to elect a Bracks and Thwaites Government and now Victorians are entitled to ask themselves were they conned?” he said.

National Party leader Peter Ryan said:

Premier Steve Bracks rang me this morning immediately before his press conference to personally inform me of his decision to resign. I wished him and his family well for the future. Steve Bracks leaves public life with his head held high after a distinguished Parliamentary career.

While we have been fierce political rivals, Steve and I have always maintained a level of professionalism in our respective dealings. Unfailingly, he has treated me with courtesy and respect in our political and personal dealings.

While we may not have agreed on many policy issues affecting the future of country Victorians, I have respected his approach to the difficult role of leading this State. I personally thank him for his willingness to serve as a Member of Parliament and I acknowledge the contribution he has made to public life. I wish Steve and his family well.

The Liberal Party should possibly consider a coalition with Peter Ryan as leader and alternative Premier.

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