Hinch spotlight on crime in party launch
SENATOR Derryn Hinch says Victoria Police should be “kicking down the doors” of Victorian ministers and Premier Daniel Andrews does not deserve to be elected because of the red shirts scandal.
He also says Liberal leader Matthew Guy is “mad” for wanting to bring back religious education at schools.
The founder of the Justice Party, which will run 16 Upper House candidates at next month’s state election, has a simple message for Victorian voters: “If you’re sick of them, vote for us.”
Senator Hinch (right) will launch his campaign in Geelong this morning, with the aim of holding the balance of power in the Legislative Council.
“We need to get representation here in Victoria, especially the Upper House, because so many law and order issues are state issues — early parole, too much bail too easily, magistrates and judges still being too soft on child abuse and child pornography crimes,” he said.
“We need to be there so people’s voices can be heard. With gangs, home invasions, the disgusting trade in child brides, it’s never been more urgent”.
Among his candidates is Catherine Cumming, a twoterm mayor of Maribyrnong Council, who will contest the Western Metropolitan Region.
Geelong-based policeman Stuart Grimley, who has experience investigating drug and sexual offences and with the child abuse unit, will contest the Western Victoria Region Upper House seat.
Senator Hinch has also taken aim at Mr Andrews over the ongoing CFA scandal, describing him as “what CFA volunteers fear most: an arsonist lighting an out-of-control bushfire”.
“The waste of taxpayers’ money with the East-West Link has also been appalling. He needs to be called out on these things,” Senator Hinch said.
He dismissed suggestions minor parties could not influence policy, pointing to his own success persuading Malcolm Turnbull’s government to ban sex offenders travelling overseas on “child rape holidays”.
More than 850 offenders’ passports have been cancelled in the past 12 months since the law passed.