Cabinet gets back on track

By Mara Pattison-Sowden
RESIDENTS were able to grill politicians in person at a community cabinet event held in the Yarra Valley last Friday.
Politicians had wound their way through the valley and stopped in various communities to make public announcements before the open meeting took place at Yarra Glen Racecourse.
Premier John Brumby, who chaired the meeting, either personally responded to people’s questions or handed them over to the various ministerial staff.
The Government was both commended and criticised for its work since community cabinet last sat in the Yarra Valley just over 12 months ago.
Bushfire-related questions were hot on the list of topics covered along with the width of residential roads, the rebuilding of smaller communities, communications during Black Saturday and the use of money and resources since the fires.
The Government was asked about how it will tackle family violence, drug and alcohol-related youth problems, and social support.
Mr Brumby would make no promises on the night, but said all issues would be taken away for consideration.