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Brumby eats while residents simmer

Posted by: 3AW Radio | 13 July, 2010 - 10:24 AM
Tim Pallas: What exactly has he 'signed off' on?

Neil Mitchell opened his program today with what he described as a 'bad look' for the government.

While people in the Western suburbs yesterday were finding out that their houses were going to be bulldozed,  John Brumby, two of his ministers, and around 300 ‘of his mates’ were preparing to have a fancy, sit down lunch at posh restaurant Zinc.

Yesterday Mr Brumby announced three different proposals to ease traffic congestion in the west, saying that 26 houses will have to be acquired to make way for the construction.

Neil said that while Mr Brumby was 'pretending to have an answer to Melbourne’s traffic problems', feasting on lamb shanks and chicken and swilling sauvignon blanc, residents of Footscray’s Buckley Street were in 'fear and turmoil' at having found out indirectly they were to be thrown out of their homes.  Even as this 'whole ugly scene' was transpiring, the 'government never had the decency to contact the residents directly'.

RELATED AUDIO:

Brumby's lunch: 'It's a shocking look'

 

PLAYING NOW: Minister Tim Pallas speak with Neil Mitchell.

 

3AW Mornings with Neil Mitchell

Neil Mitchell Neil is one of Australia’s most experienced journalists with success in newspapers, radio and television. He was one of the youngest editors of a daily metropolitan newspaper, The Herald. Enter Neil's highlights page for videos. replays and news.

Blog comments Your Say

  • Never do it right from the start and build it underground

    col Wednesday 11 August, 2010 - 5:23 AM
  • Re the Footscray houses to be demolished.
    It is unlikely the government will pay the residents enough to allow them to buy a similar house in their area.
    What should happen is the government find housing that is acceptable to the residents, pay for it, provide all moving costs etc, plus compensation for inconvenience.

    Barry Wednesday 14 July, 2010 - 9:36 AM
  • Re New Project
    I have to say the government must think we are stupid or they can manipulate us in any way they want.
    Brumby announced new froject and houses to go on Sunday.
    Yet the officials say they did not tell people as the press were there.
    If someone is a bout to lose their home, surely they are entitled to at least 30 days note if not 90 days.
    The Brumby government did not want us to know to save their skins
    What about the stress they have caused those who are about to lose their house.
    Brumby and his team have no compassion except when it suits them.

    Dazza Wednesday 14 July, 2010 - 9:17 AM
  • We're all stupid and Labor will be voted back in. Don't say I didn't warn you though when these great announcements;
    a. never occur
    b. blow out in cost
    c. don't work.

    We do have plenty of examples already...

    Jason Tuesday 13 July, 2010 - 6:14 PM
  • 'Spin Doctor John'; wining and dining like Nixon did whilst the bad news and utter mayhem was being delivered to those they really couldn't care less about; Victoria's citizens!
    As Neil mentioned, the people on the west side of Melbourne cop it because they would still vote Labor anyway...?
    Let's just hope this woeful move by Brumby & Co. is yet another wake-up call for the 'True Believers'.
    'Spin Doctor John' and his half-witted ilk think of themselves first, second and everybody else last. That's how the ALP has always been and always will be; the Australian 'Lemon' Party...!!!

    Gerard Tuesday 13 July, 2010 - 4:38 PM
  • State government is a waste of our tax, get rid of them and give us a tax rebate, they are not required in a small population country federal is plenty.

    NEIL Tuesday 13 July, 2010 - 4:11 PM

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