Time for change

It was a State election that could swing either way. But by November 30, the verdict was clear. After a run of 11 years, the Labor party led by Premier John Brumby finally conceded defeat to the Liberal/National Coalition led by Ted Baillieu.

For the Indian community in Victoria, the change is a momentous one. Both parties made significant efforts in wooing subcontinent voters over the past year, and both made attempts in maintaining high levels of involvement with the community. Now, whether those promises simply turn out to be election-speak or translate into actual decisions is anyone’s guess. We have the next three years to find out.

Indian Link asked members of the Indian community if they were happy with the election verdict and how it would affect the community. Also, did they think the Coalition led by Ted Baillieu will make a significant change towards a better Melbourne? Here are some of their responses.

The end of a good innings

Let me say, that having a government in office for nearly eleven years, the time was ripe for change! It was very difficult for the Brumby (ALP) government to sustain itself in office for a fourth term after eleven years.

Nevertheless, John Brumby as Premier of Victoria, governed with integrity and responsibility - a distinguishing feature in comparison with NSW and Queensland Labor. Yes, we had problems with MYKI, an increase in public unease with the cost of utilities and public transport, and these issues created the impetus Labor’s defeat.

However, the Brumby government was significant in its support of multiculturalism as a policy, which has benefited our Indian community greatly with funds for a range of services and with a direct government commitment to establish an Indian Community Centre. A project that has gained bi-partisan support!

I have known Ted Baillieu for nearly two decades and in that time the Premier-elect has proven himself to be a ‘mover and shaker’! An individual of a few words, but those he speaks have meaning and force!

I know that Ted is committed to reviewing a range of public concerns. Planning issues which have impacted adversely on our suburbs and city, the controversies surrounding MYKI, public transport problems must all be made a thing of the past for Melbournians and our streets must feel and be safe! Only a few days after the election result Ted has hit the ground running as his government attempts to resolve these issues and others.

This attitude of not waiting for tomorrow says a lot about the Premierelect and I am sure he will succeed where the previous government failed.

Vasan Srinivasan

President, Federation of Indian Associations of Victoria (FIAV)

Just another Premier?

Abraham Lincoln classed ‘tact’ as the ability to describe others as they see themselves. John Brumby was a politician, so is Ted Baillieu. Personally I see democracy as in a rut. Its un-worded sentiment is simply: You scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours! Hence Brumby would not be any worse than Baillieu would be any better for any community, including the Indian; it is the individual perspective that would separate one from the other. The truth is, how is a Premier responsible if the brakes on trains fail, if the 21st century elective surgery with 20th century facilities is delayed, if foreign students are bashed in the name of fun, or if destroying public property is seen as ‘right’?

Originating from India where Ministers work their entire lives on a token wages of Rs 1 (20 cents) per month, and can still afford three meals a day and living quarters, I see a world of ‘self’ rather than ‘patriotism’ in an average Western politician. Author Mark Tully classed India a “kleptocracy”. The West is a kleptocracy of another type. Baillieu may stand out if he push-bikes to work, travels Y, spends an evening at a new immigrant’s home, buys his tickets to MCG games, understands a tricked pensioner’s heartache and makes penal code exemplary…..or he is just another Premier.

George

Thakur

A regular, respected and vocal contributor to Indian Link

True to Team Ted

I am very, very, very happy with the election verdict. Team Ted worked very hard for this for the last 5 years, and I am proud to be an integral part of this team since July 2006. It’s a different feeling when hard work brings desired results.

Ted has been a fantastic supporter of the local Indian community. He has attended over 70 community/industry functions in the past five years, and has a very good idea about issues faced by the local Indian community. Solutions can only be possible when you have a clear understanding of these issues. The solutions which he suggests would be welcomed by the community and of course, we are open to genuine community consultation.

Ted has stood with the Indian community during tough times, on issues like the attacks on students and taxi drivers. He raised the issue of violence at all levels, despite being aware that these students cannot vote. Ted can be trusted. The Coalition would get Victoria to advance again. We believe in hard work and consulting with the community and industry. We have better policies. We will cut wasteful expenditure. We have a better vision. We have a talented and focussed team. And we will get Victoria to advance once again.

Nitin Gupta

Special Director, South Asia Community Affairs Liberal Party (Victorian Division)

Good to have a change

The Labor government was stale, arrogant and full of hubris after 11 years in power. It is good to have a change.

Ted Baillieu seems to be more upfront than John Brumby. He has pledged better law and order - this was a problem that affected Indians badly over the last three years. But what one needs is a change in the attitude of the police themselves - and Baillieu is powerless to do anything in that direction. A new broom sweeps well. Baillieu will make some populist initiatives initially, like the move for a year-round concession card system for power bills. He is also likely to shut down some wasteful projects.

But it will be difficult for him to curb the unruly growth of Melbourne - this is the main change needed, as Melbourne has overshot its urban growth boundary by 50 percent, putting an unimaginable strain on infrastructure - given that all politicians depend on the same people to get re-elected.

Sam Varghese

Sub-editor with The Age Online, living in Melbourne since 1997.