Melton residents revolt against Victorian MP Don Nardella

ANGRY Melton locals want former deputy speaker Don Nardella sacked and forced to pay back $100,000 in rorted taxpayer dollars.

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ANGRY Melton locals want former deputy speaker Don Nardella sacked and forced to pay back $100,000 in rorted taxpayer dollars.

A Herald Sun random survey of 50 people who live in the Melton electorate found an overwhelming majority believed their local MP should resign and repay the funds he claimed to live in a seaside property.

George Greaves, who has lived in Melton for 12 years, said Mr Nardella should be held to account.

“Get rid of him,” he said.

“I’ve lived here for 12 years and I’ve seen him twice.

“Where is he?”

Melton residents: Jolly Miller Cafe owner Don Nardella, Joe Mavrikos, Gagandeep Singh, Skye Gooch, Sharon Bezzina, Tom Kovarik and his daughter Marliese French. Picture: Alex Coppel

Yvonne, who did not provide her surname, agreed Mr Nardella was rarely seen in town.

“It’s such a safe Labor seat. He hasn’t really made an effort with the community,” she said.

“I’ve lived here 18 years and have seen him once.”

Sonja Ljavroska said Mr Nardella should be punished for his actions.

“He should be made to pay back the money,” she said.

Other Melton residents told the Herald Sun Mr Nardella should be made to pay back the $100,000 but not resign (10 per cent), while others said he should just resign and not repay the money (4 per cent).

Melton MP Don Nardella in State Parliament. Picture: Nicole Garmston

Some locals wanted Mr Nardella to explain himself before they formed an opinion on the issue. (14 per cent)

Mickayla Hickey said she’s never had an issue with her local MP. “I always went to him and found he resolved problems very quickly,” she said. “What’s the difference if he lives in Melton or not?”

Meanwhile, people living in Ocean Grove said they’ve never seen Mr Nardella around, despite his primary residence being listed as the seaside town.

“I’ve never heard of him down this way,” Ian McLean, who has lived in Ocean Grove for 45 years, said.

“They say he lives down here, but we’re always down the main street and have not crossed him once.”

Ocean Grove residents Noella and Ian McLean and Elvira Mujica have never seen Labor MP Don Nardella in their town. Picture: Ian Currie

Another long-term resident, who went only by Kate, said she found the “whole thing utterly disgraceful”.

“Ocean Grove is a relatively small community, I’m shocked that myself or no one I know has seen or heard of someone like that with a high political profile living here,” she said.

Local business owners also said they’d never crossed the politician.

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