Jeff Kennett: Time is running out for Vic leaders in the state of spite, crime and protests

As the new police commissioner reveals his vision for tackling the crime and protests besieging our state, he needs the government’s full backing to get the job done. But he should be wary of getting too cosy with our leaders.

Very sadly the ship of Victoria is floundering and mainly because of a lack of leadership.

The most recent and profound example being the silence of those in leadership positions when a group of Victorian students from Mount Scopus Memorial College were abused in volume and by numbers of students from another, Gladstone Park Secondary when attending the Melbourne Museum last Thursday.

One group of Victorian students publicly attacking another group of Victorian students, not on a sporting field but while entering a place of knowledge and learning.

Why? Because the students from Mount Scopus were Jewish.

Where were the teachers from Gladstone Park, who apparently stood by and said nothing?

Where were our political leaders in condemning such antisemitic acts?

What does Victoria stand for any longer, where through silence, and non-intervention our leaders are condemning such outrageous behaviour?

It is bad enough that the government, having promised to crack down on criminal activities by individuals particularly children, allow repeat offenders bail, and back on our streets to commit further acts of crime and terrorism.

It is bad enough the government took no action for three years on a report that identified the risks to our very young children when attending childcare centres.

But the increasing attacks on our Jewish community and their property, is a result of a gross lack of leadership.

The increasing attacks on our Jewish community and their property, is a result of a gross lack of leadership. Picture: Tony Gough

What has Victoria come to represent?

The state of spite, crime, demonstrations?

And certainly, the state of economic failure, condemning future generations of Victorians having to pay for the sins of those in office at present.

I have said before, what is more important than politics and in particular political parties?

The answer must be the state of Victoria, and the condition of the state.

We must again be healthy, harmonious, compassionate and considerate.

We must be aspirational to allow those who choose to create, invent, and are prepared to work hard to achieve their dreams.

Our governments must live within our means.

Finally, we must have fun! Life is short, so every day is precious.

Today many are scared to walk our streets, go about their normal business.

That should not be the Victorian way. We can do better. In fact, we must do better.

For too long some continue to support the rights of individuals, or groups of individuals, regardless of their performance, while most Victorians are being left behind. In fact, increasingly the victims of that small minority.

The hourglass is running out for our political parties and their leaders.

They need to prove they are worthy of our trust and support. Otherwise at the next election they will be replaced by something new, something fresh, something that offers hope, something that offers genuine leadership.

Part of the answer must be found in the leadership of our new Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police Mike Bush. Picture: Jason Edwards

The ship of Victoria has not yet quite floundered, but it is seriously floundering.

Victorians deserve better.

Part of the answer must be found in the leadership of our new Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police Mike Bush.

I do not know him but I read his first interview and also on television and radio.

I like the cut of his jib.

I was encouraged that he did not rush to the beat of the media for a few weeks after being sworn into office, while quietly and sometimes anonymously going around the state, meeting and listening to his troops, and meeting civic leaders.

He was refreshingly honest in his interviews and was able to speak as a result of his findings.

In short Bush said there must be consequences for acts of crime, whoever commits them.

He said he needs more police.

He said the technology the police force has at its disposal to do its job of protecting the public is five to ten years out of date and must be urgently upgraded.

My advice to the commissioner is do not get too close to government, Premier or Minister. For the public to have confidence in what you are trying to achieve you must be, and be seen to be, independent of the government.

For too many years the government has failed to take the advice of its predecessors. Make public your recommendations to the government.

Bush said he would set targets, and publicly release those targets, and report periodically on progress in meeting those targets.

Let’s support him. He is a man of experience. We desperately need him and his officers to succeed.

I have no doubt the government is going to have to substantially allocate more financial resources to policing in the state.

If the government refuses such itemised requests, Bush, pack up and go home. You were employed to do a job, and you have no chance of succeeding without the resources you identify.

I wish you every success.

We can’t afford for the state of Victoria to flounder.

Jeff Kennett is a former premier of Victoria

Originally published as Jeff Kennett: Time is running out for Vic leaders in the state of spite, crime and protests