Controversial Liberal MP Bernie Finn doubles down on police rant

Liberal MP Bernie Finn has doubled down on a controversial rant saying he is angry at “politicisation of VicPol by the Andrews Government”.

Matthew Guy is under pressure to rebuke Bernie Finn. Picture: Kylie Else

Controversial upper house MP Bernie Finn has doubled down on his criticism of Victoria Police while insisting a long history of support for the force.

Mr Finn sparked outrage on Wednesday after calling Victoria Police officers “modern incarnation of the Despot’s militia”.

Finn made the comments in a Facebook post on Wednesday night after a tense standoff between police and protesters at the Shrine of Remembrance that ended when tear gas and rubber bullets were fired into the crowd.

“I have always been a staunch supporter of the men and women of Victoria Police,” Finn said.

“I can’t extend that support to the modern incarnation of the Despot’s militia. It horrifies me!”

Opposition Leader Matthew Guy is facing pressure to rebuke the controversial upper house MP.

Bernie Finn at an anti-abortion rally in 2014. Picture: Eugene Hyland

In a statement to the Herald Sun on Thursday Mr Finn said he had a long history of supporting police.

“I am well known for my support over a long period of time for the men and women on the frontline of Victoria Police,” he said.

“That has not changed. I have jumped to their defence often and will continue to do so when necessary. I count many serving and former officers as dear friends.

“My concern for sometime has been the politicisation of VicPol by the Andrews Government. The appointment of the current Chief Commissioner is a part of that process, and so it is spread down the line. This cannot be good for law enforcement.

“I have been contacted by a number of serving officers over recent days - particularly today - expressing their deep concern as to the image and level of esteem of the force held by the community. I share their concern,” he said.

COLLEAGUES REBUKE MP

The comments sparked outrage among Finn’s parliamentary colleagues with Brad Battin, Ryan Smith, Tim Smith and James Newbury all publicly criticising him.

Liberal sources have told the Herald Sun Mr Guy will not be able to ignore the issue.

“We have to take a stand,” one MP said.

Another senior source said heavy-handed action, including suspending Finn from the partyroom, could end his parliamentary career.

“That basically sends a message to the rank and file that he needs to be disendorsed,” they said.

Former leader Michael O’Brien was heavily criticised by his colleagues for his ongoing refusal to publicly rebuke Mr Finn, who repeatedly sparked outrage with controversial social media activity.

He has been accused of posting pro-Trump conspiracy theories, a meme about a Chinese rocket falling on the national broadcaster or his political rivals, and mocking people with disabilities.

Some MPs have described Mr Finn as a “protected species”.

Opposition police spokesman Brad Battin publicly rebuked Finn saying: “I am sorry Bernie Finn MP, this is NOT the view of the Liberal Party”.

“The police are delivering on bad laws by a terrible government. The frontline can’t choose which laws to follow.

Bernie Finn. Picture: Sarah Matray

Ryan Smith. Picture: Josie Hayden

“There are ways to fix this, we need to get rid of Daniel Andrews. As a former police officer, I understand what it is like to face protesters – it is not great.”

Mr Finn replied to him, writing “thanks for telling me the view of the Liberal Party”.

“I’m always pleased to hear it.”

The controversial Facebook post is understood to have left members of Victoria Police irate.

Police Association Victoria secretary Wayne Gatt questioned the motivation behind the post.

“If Bernie Finn no longer supports the police, who acted to prevent a mob of thugs from desecrating the Shrine and further endangering Melburnians, then it must be asked, who does he support?” he said.

Earlier on Wednesday, Mr Battin criticised protesters for their behaviour at the Shrine.

“What we are seeing today is a Melbourne no one supports,” he said.

“Our police officers are being put in harm’s way because of the appalling conduct of a group of people who should go home.”

Brad Battin has hit out at Bernie Finn’s comments. Picture: Josie Hayden

Ryan Smith, the Liberal member for Warrandyte, joined in on the comment thread and said he stood “with the rank and file”.

“I have also been a staunch supporter, and continue to be,” Smith said.

“I have friends who are police, who I admire and respect.

“I stand with the rank and file – my fight is with Daniel Andrews and his government.”

Kew’s Liberal MP Tim Smith jumped into the social media debate and said he agreed with Battin.

“Police officers adhere to the line of command,” he wrote.

“If anyone, including Bernie Finn MP, has an issue with Victoria police, criticism should be directed at its leadership and its authoritarian Labor political masters who are directing them.

“The chopper debacle this evening being a very good example.”

The “chopper debacle” was a reference to police’s request for a no-fly zone over the CBD during the protests.

They later backflipped on the ruling to allow news helicopters to fly, but said broadcast of aerial footage had to be delayed by one hour, to prevent protesters from watching it to track police movements.