Federal hospital promise
Election time: McMillan MP Russell Broadbent.
By Jane Ross
WIN, lose or draw the election, McMillan MHR Russell Broadbent will press for a $20 million Federal Government grant for the rebuilding of Leongatha Memorial Hospital.
He would also lobby for funding for an upgraded Wonthaggi Hospital.
Such money would be in partnership with the State Government because “I’m a State’s rights person.”
He said the pressure on hospitals and doctors would be a major issue in the federal election, called at the weekend for August 21.
“Hospitals are terribly important to country areas.”
Speaking to The Star yesterday morning, Mr Broadbent said the date staggered him. He had been tipping the following Saturday.
“I’m very surprised that I was a week out. It’s been called earlier for political reasons. It’s about Labor Party strategy, it’s not about the Australian people.”
Mr Broadbent predicted that this election, people would vote for the party they feel has their best interests at heart.
Asked if the populace cared about politics, Mr Broadbent replied: “I hope they do.”
If the Coalition wins, Mr Broadbent will be looking for a ministerial position.
“I didn’t come into politics to stay on the back bench!”
Does he have a good relationship with Liberal Party leader Tony Abbott?
“I get on well with all my colleagues.”
He is bemused by the ALP’s push for regional cities and towns to take some of the growth that is pressuring capital cities.
“It doesn’t matter if you go to Korumburra, Leongatha, Warragul or Drouin, there is massive growth around all of our towns everywhere in my electorate.
“We’re already growing without incentives.”
He said his role as a local MP was to “make sure you don’t get a greater share, but get a fair share of Federal Government programs and allocations.
“It’s up to us to be proactive.”
The environment would feature strongly in the campaign, with Mr Broadbent warning that even with “all the renewable energy in place” coal would still be needed for the production of electricity.
“We need to find a better way to use coal, but we don’t want (power) blackouts.”
Asked about the Labor Party’s constant pitch to “Australian families”, Mr Broadbent said that in planning any move, the Coalition always considered how that would impact on families. But, he added, there are many single people, couples who do not have children and others such as self-funded retirees who are being ignored and not given a fair go.
“Individuals are important too.”
Asked how he would keep fit for the 33-day campaign, the seasoned politician replied: “I watch what I eat. I don’t lead a sedentary life. Then there’s the grass.”
The grass?
“He mows the lawns,” explained his electorate officer Jenny Paproth.
Mr Broadbent has a lot of lawn to mow. As well as the exercise factor, he uses the time to think.
“We all groan when he comes into the office and says he’s been mowing,” said Ms Paproth.
“It means more work for his staff!”
Short URL: http://www.thestar.com.au/?p=222
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