Tuesday, 8 February 2022

Government performance

Mr R SMITH (Warrandyte) (15:36): Here we are back in 2022, and I can only imagine the mood in the Labor party room. Since we last met here we have seen the Premier wield his power to make sure his political enemies will not be setting foot back in this place next year. These enemies include the members for Narre Warren North, Kororoit and Preston and the once hailed future Premier the member for Broadmeadows, whilst in the other place Ms Vaghela, Mr Melhem and the President himself, Mr Elasmar, were not safe from this Premier and his crusade to purge the Parliament of those who would dare speak against him. These members were all once fierce advocates for the Premier, but that does not matter to him. This should stand as a warning to all remaining Labor members. I wonder out loud whether those who have survived the purge are allowed to associate with the outcasts, or would the Premier take a dim view of that? This man may describe you as his good friend, but any moment he will turn on you if he sees an opportunity to mete out his petty revenge.

Victoria is currently facing one of the biggest ever health crises, a crisis overseen by the Premier for 11 of the past 15 years, but out of fear for their jobs you will not hear anyone from the Labor side speak about the agony of their constituents who are in desperate need of elective surgery. Why is that? Because the Premier will not allow any of his minions to speak the truth about how bad our health system actually is. I plead with government members: stop being sheep, stand up for your local communities and hold the Premier to account, because Victoria is watching, and if the Premier does not throw you out, Victorians will.