Monbulk MP James Merlino says he’s up for the challenge of juggling his new ministerial duties with representing his electorate. 54604
By Casey Neill
MONBULK MP James Merlino has welcomed his new role overseeing the police, emergency services and corrections ministries as “a great challenge”.
But Liberal Party Monbulk candidate Matt Mills said the new roles would see Mr Merlino “further neglect” his local community.
“The local community needs a local MP that will stand up for their needs, someone who is around to listen to their concerns,” said Mr Mills.
“As Sports Minister, Mr Merlino has spent less and less time in Monbulk dealing with local issues.
“While I understand Mr Merlino’s political ambition, I would hope that he recognises the need to properly represent the people who put him in the Victorian Parliament.”
Mr Mills said residents were concerned not enough was being done to address “the very real issues in Monbulk”.
He pointed to fixing vital infrastructure, improving local services and bushfire preparations.
“Local residents and businesses don’t want Labor’s spin and glossy brochures, they want action on the very real issues that our community faces,” Mr Mills said.
But Mr Merlino said Mr Mills “was completely incorrect in that assessment”.
“Flatly, Matt Mills doesn’t know what he’s talking about,” he said.
“I’m really proud of what we’ve been able to achieve in the electorate.”
Mr Merlino said he had helped secure funding for a multi-million dollar Burrinja cultural centre upgrade due to open next year, the Monbulk Community Hub living and learning centre – “the best community project in Monbulk for generations” – and the long-awaited Montrose Recreation Reserve overhaul.
“Projects involved in making a difference to this community,” he said.
The 38-year-old will now juggle representing the Monbulk electorate with the Youth Affairs, Sports and Recreation, Police and Emergency Services and Corrections portfolios.
Mr Merlino is also the Minister Assisting the Premier on Multicultural Affairs.
“It’s an ongoing challenge of work-life balance,” he said.
“But I’m up for the challenge. I’m excited by it. There’s nothing more important than keeping the community safe.”
He takes over the role from retiring MP Bob Cameron who the Opposition has dubbed “the worst Police Minister in Victoria’s history” for record high violent crime figures and too few police.
“It’s just completely incorrect,” Mr Merlino said.
He said Mr Cameron resided over the biggest police force recruitment in history, tougher laws to tackle street violence and family violence law reform.
“My responsibility is to embed those changes, and that’s exactly what I’ll do,” he said.
“My first priority will be to talk to frontline police, particularly in our entertainment precincts.”
Premier John Brumby was due to swear Mr Merlino into his new roles yesterday (Monday).
“James represents a new generation of ministers in our government and I know that he will take on this new role with energy, commitment and a great sense of responsibility,” Mr Brumby said.
Mr Cameron will continue as Emergency Services Minister until 27 November to finalise bushfire reforms.
