Category: governance
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Since the 1990s, successive Victorian governments have corporatised, commercialised and privatised a huge swathe of previously publicly owned assets. Even core regulatory functions, like VicRoads, are now run for-profit by private companies. In many cases, a one off payment was used to pay down debt or fund other infrastructure. In other cases, the outsourcing to…
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The broad shape and outcomes of the Silver Review are welcome. While I am personally saddened by some of the changes, it is vitally important for the government to regularly review its operations for duplication and inefficiency and make adjustments. Addressing the “top-heavy” nature of the Victorian Public Service (VPS) is especially welcome. The incoming…
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The miserable experiment with the councillor’s code of conduct has reached its inevitable conclusion – a time-wasting weaponised apparatus to impose dinner party standards on the political process. James Conlan, Oscar Yildiz, Adam Pulford, and Jay Iwasaki have all run afoul of the rules. Cr Iawsaki’s is especially egregious as he was called out for…
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Cr. Iwasaki was kind enough to reach out to me personally in response to my criticism of the censure of Cr. Yildiz. It is not my place to publish his opinion, but I will supply mine. Thanks Jay, I appreciate you reaching out personally, and in particular the clarification about a majority of Councillors not…
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Donald Trump, Moira Deeming and the Merri-bek Greens all share an alarming characteristic – they have attempted to seek remedy for others’ political opinions in dissent. Attempts to silence, punish or seek revenge for political comment must be called out and resisted at every opportunity. What Cr Yildiz did on social media is not the…
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First preference votes for Bulleke-bek are: The preference distribution for all wards will occur after Melbourne Cup day. I think these voting patterns reflect the “true” party vote. Bulleke-bek had the highest Socialist vote in Brunswick. While the Greens took Warrk-Warrk with an absolute majority, there was a good showing by Oscar Yildiz-aligned independents in…
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I hope I’m wrong about a lot of things from this election: I hope I’m wrong but I will be watching the next term of council very closely, especially when we see the impact of the forthcoming Federal (2025) and State (2026) elections. Congratulations to all candidates, but thanks especially to those interest & lobby…
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Local government delivers some of the most important day-to-day government services. You notice these things when you step outside your front door or walk down to your local high street. I call on you to set and insist on, high standards of delivery of these services. If your concerns are those of the Victorian and…
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I urge voters to return Sue Bolton (Babadi Djinanang) and Labros Tapinos (Brunswick West). Sue, Lambros and Adam Pulford are standing for re-election. With several experienced councillors not standing again, and with the introduction of single-member wards, their experience is invaluable. Sue Bolton has been a consistent and active voice for residents’ concerns at Council.…
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The Australian Services Union has asked me to sign their pledge. While I’m not going to download a PDF, sign it, scan it, and email it back to them – I’m happy to agree to it. On a personal note, I have been a member of a union when my employment conditions were subject to…
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Vote Climate is a communication network of grassroots climate groups. Here are my responses to their survey. I am not an endorsed candidate from a political party or a member of a political party. My topic priorities are: My achievements: My thoughts on Climate Change: Participatory and deliberative democracy
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The Age newspaper has sent out a survey to candidates – here are my answers. What are the three key issues you want to advocate for on council? The Age’s list is quite strange and they appear to be following certain issue threads, so: Should more housing be prioritised over green space and heritage? Can’t…
Mel Yuan for Brunswick 