Leadership key in Labor plans

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews was swift in swinging the axe and removing Adem Somyurek from his ministry in the wake of explosive revelations regarding Labor Party branch-stacking.

In fact he left few in doubt about his feelings and position in publicly condemning the behaviour of his former minister, the subject of a damning television news reports on Sunday night.

Mr Andrews had little choice but to act decisively, especially from a governance perspective, with Victoria trying to fight its way through and emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic.

While his actions were profound, it is what happens next, in the next few months surrounding the fallout from this development, that means everything.

This is particularly critical for people living in regional Victoria.

Mr Somyurek was in charge of business and local government ministerial portfolios, which will be at the core of how the state pulls itself from socio-economic upheaval.

Regional communities in areas such as the Wimmera, Mallee and Western District will have to navigate their way carefully through new levels of local government fragility as well as business uncertainty.

This navigation will most likely require significantly different and probably need more creative pathways than metropolitan areas.

In emerging from the crisis, the performance of local government and business, sectors already stretched, will be paramount in establishing any sense of security for provincial and regional cities and rural towns and their communities.

The scenario could go either way – the regions might bounce back with a boom, perhaps on the back of primary industry – or they could struggle and stagnate and lose any traction they might have previously enjoyed.

This is an area that will need profound, objective and positive government leadership, particularly from a minister or ministers directing traffic under the premier.

Mr Andrews has announced his desire to give the key job to parliamentary secretary and Member for Essendon Danny Pearson.

We wait with interest to see whether this can happen after revelations the move would automatically face a constitutional hurdle based on the number of ministerial appointments from lower and upper parliamentary houses.

But regardless of who ultimately lands the job – Mr Pearson or some other representative – circumstance demands they be, and excuse the pun, an ‘absolute gun’.

We don’t have the luxury of any wriggle room in getting the immediate let alone long-term direction of these ministries right.

Mr Andrews, apart from needing a replacement for Mr Somyurek, will also need to fill vacated positions left by Assistant Treasurer Robin Scott and Consumer Affairs Minister Marlene Kairouz. Both have resigned from State Cabinet in the wake of the scandal.

Wonderful news for Woodbine

SIR, – I am delighted to learn that Woodbine in Warracknabeal will receive $1.2-million from the Federal Government to renovate existing facilities and construct a new disability accommodation centre for their residents.

Over the past six years I have worked closely with chief executive Bernie O’connor and the team at Woodbine to support the great work they do in providing quality support and care for people living with disability.

It is always inspiring to hear of new ideas to improve Woodbine’s facilities and services, to work with the team to make these dreams a reality, and to celebrate the big and small individual achievements and successes of the Woodbine family.

Congratulations to Mr O’connor, board president John Hadley and the management board, and Yarriambiack Shire Council for their untiring commitment to this fantastic organisation.

I also acknowledge the efforts of Federal Member for Mallee Dr Anne Webster who I know has been a strong advocate for this project, campaigning tirelessly to achieve this funding.

From its small beginnings in 1951, Woodbine is now the largest disability service organisation in western Victoria, employing more than 180 staff and providing a variety of services including permanent and respite accommodation, outreach support, day programs, employment and recreation activities for almost 100 clients.

This growth has not just happened – it is a result of the passion and dedication of its management board and staff to ensure every member of our community has the opportunity to be included, valued and enjoy life.

This funding will greatly assist Woodbine to continue to achieve this for its clients and the Warracknabeal and district community. Congratulations again to everyone involved. I look forward to seeing this project come to fruition and Woodbine’s clients continuing to enjoy the superior care that this amazing organisation is renowned for. Emma Kealy Member for Lowan

‘Pushing Past Postcodes’

SIR, – Butterfly Foundation’s annual MAYDAYS campaign is now well underway, running until June 30. ‘Pushing Past Postcodes’ aims to improve awareness of eating disorders and raise much-needed money to support our work as the national charity for people with eating disorders and their loved ones.

Readers might not know that one-million people are affected by an eating disorder in any given year, and about 280,000 of these people live in regional, remote and very remote areas.

While the stereotype of someone with an eating disorder is a young woman, the reality is that eating disorders do not discriminate – by age, location, or other characteristics.

Tarsh, a mum from rural Victoria who features in our campaign, developed an eating disorder in her 30s.

She struggled to navigate the system to access care and support when she needed it.

Our national survey shows that people with eating disorders living outside of urban areas are doing it tough right now.

Access to services is a particular concern, with 94 percent of people in regional and rural areas believing that where they live is an obstacle to getting help, and four in five having incurred significant costs to receive treatment.

Almost two-thirds of those in regional and remote areas reported that COVID-19 had impacted their ability to seek treatment or support.

We are seeing the impact of the pandemic in significantly increased demand for our free National Helpline service, 1800 ED HOPE.

During the past two months webchat contacts to our helpline have more than doubled due to COVID-19 and are up 90 percent from this time last year.

You can find out more about our campaign here: butterfly.org.au/maydays.

For counselling, advice or referral, please call us on 1800 33 4673 from 8am to midnight, seven days a week.

Join us this MAYDAYS in our pursuit of #Pushingpastpostcodes, and let’s break down the barriers for those living in regional, remote and very remote locations. Kevin Barrow Chief executive, Butterfly Foundation