Ted Baillieu's Column

It has been very pleasing to see over recent years the marked increase in the interest of many in the South Asia community in State politics and the important issues that matter to that community and every community in Victoria.

As I have visited South Asian communities and events all over Victoria and talked to many individuals and families, I have encouraged everyone to engage with the issues that are important to them, increase their participation in the life of their community and have their views properly heard and understood. 

Labor Premier John Brumby limped back from Canberra in April with a poor health deal for Victorian families. John Brumby has become “Mr 20 Per Cent” after boasting that he was going to secure $4.8 billion over the next four years in extra funding for Victoria’s health system and returning with a total of $890 million over four years.

Salaam Namaste 

I have just had the pleasure of visiting the set of Orange – the biggest Indian feature film to be set in Australia – during filming in Southbank.  I met many of the team that are putting Orange together over the next couple of months on locations all over Australia.

It was great to meet such a professional crew at Anjana Productions and feel the excitement and energy of Anjana’s biggest international venture.

This production is employing more than 450 Australian cast and crew and is another reminder of the importance of the Indian film industry to Victoria’s economy.
The Indian film industry is the biggest film industry in the world, and can open up huge and diverse business opportunities for Victoria.

Salaam Namaste  Shubh Holi

Victorians struggling to get to work or school on overcrowded trains or roads are entitled to ask why the arrogant Brumby Government has been so obsessed with introducing the myki public transport ticketing smartcard instead of getting the transport basics right.

Salaam Namaste

Much has happened over the last month that has reflected badly on Victoria and has done this State’s reputation a great deal of damage.