Premier attraction - “no one’s girl”

We certainly have seen a huge style change since Kristina Keneally became Premier of NSW.  The Premier seems to be everywhere and comments about her glamorous appearance are are likewise common.  There seems no doubt that her looks will be a large part of the attention she attracts but not even Kristina Keneally could have planned that.  She is who she is.  On the other hand it might be reasonable to presume that her looks were at least part of the reason she won over some of the Labor caucus in rolling Nathan Rees.  Not a personal attraction mind you, but rather a political calculation that looks and gender might be a winner with sectors of the voting community – after all, Labor were on a hiding to nothing anyway. 

Keneally says she is “no one’s girl” and I believe her.  She is no fool and will no doubt make her mark on her owns terms.  She does however seem to have been well schooled in Machiavellian politics with one of her main teachers and mentors being Joe Tripodi.  Joe of course seems widely disliked but for one so often embroiled in controversy he seems to have survived very well.  Not blessed with a pretty face, Joe must have plenty of smarts.  It remains to be seen if Kristina Keneally has enough of both to win over the electorate in 2011. 

Under Keneally the Government has already begun to distance themselves from bad or unpopular policy that is deemed not worth the fight (for now) or is seen as un-winnable.  Retail power privatisation is conveniently delayed till later in 2010; will anyone be surprised if it is further delayed until after the election?  (A Labor member told me within days of the change of leadership that it would be killed-off).  The Rozelle Metro looks dead in the water and we can expect a number of other strategic withdrawals throughout the year.  And is it hypocrisy that we now see the Premier ready to address the unfair treatment of Gillian Sneddon?  I think most people from around this area will see it that way but at the same time hope that Gillian finally gets some fairness from the NSW Government.  

Under Iemma and Rees I found that the government could be arrogant and rude to non-Labor MP’s even in their own area.  This wasn’t so much a problem for me as the snubs at public functions were so overt that the Premiers and other Labor members looked very petty and rude.  It did them damage while not hurting me.  Kristina Keneally on the other hand has already shown herself to be very different while attending a function at the Ourimbah Campus recently.  This was a Labor show, a policy announcement attended by government MP’s, Minister Ian MacDonald and the Premier.  The Premier was very gracious in recognising me and, after  the formalities, insisting that I joined them for a photo.  A very different approach from before and it’s difficult to know if she was genuine or just understands that pettiness is noticed.  Either way, I have to acknowledge that she can be very charming.  Now to see how she performs as Premier in Question Time – that will be revealing!

Hunter Jobs Summit & Community Forum

I attended the State Government's Job Summit at Warners Bay this afternoon.  I attended as Mayor as I had not been invited (or acknowledged) as State Member.  Let me say first off that I think it is great that the Premier came to our area to learn about and speak about opportunities for job creation in our area.  Jobs are critically important.  A high level of work participation and incomes are vital to social justice and equity, and community well-being.  Without community well-being and reasonable wealth we cannot address pressing issues including the protection of our environment.

The Premier invited comments and questions from the floor, so I was a little surprised that he tried to cut me off in giving a preamble to my question.  I was asking if his government would support the Council in seeking Commonwealth infrastructure funding for the proposed Lake Macquarie Transport Interchange and Pennant Street Bridge at Glendale.  This project is estimated to cost $70M - $80M with a multiplier effect that would bring its value to well over $300M!  The Pennant St Bridge would allow access for some 16000 workers in the Cardiff Industrial Area, just across the rail line, to access public transport.  The bridge would also rectify problems within the road network of the industrial site, generating even more investment from business.

This project is the proverbial "no-brainer".  It has huge economic benefits in direct and ongoing jobs, builds capacity in the area that will be needed as our regional population grows, and most importantly, it will make public transport a viable and attractive option for thousands.

Unfortunately, the Premier was not generous in his response.  For some reason he wanted to point out that everyone wants something and that there is only so much money to go around. True - and the answer may have been reasonable if the Summit wasn't about creating jobs!  This would be one of the best short, medium, and long-term investments for jobs in the region.  His response was even stranger as I hadn't asked the Premier for money, rather, I asked his support to seek Commonwealth money!  A strange and disappointing response.

I wasn't at the following community forum but I understand that the Premier was given "a serve" by former Milton Orkopoulos staffer, Gillian Sneddon.  Without Gillian's courage, the activities of Orkopoulos would never have come to light.  She believes that others in the ALP knew what was happening and did nothing.  She believes that Nathan Rees knew, particularly as he had been an advisor to Milton for a year before the issue blew up - something Mr Rees denies.

Perhaps if the Premier met with Gillian, or at least gave her the chance to speak at the forum, he might be able to start the healing process.  Regardless of the payments Gillian received as entitlements after not being re-employed as an Electorate Officer, this woman has been put through hell.  Her physical and mental health has suffered, she has been unable to work and her finances are depleted.  She is worried about her future - all for having done the right thing - and if she is correct, all for doing what others should have done themselves.