Brumby’s report card for Indians:
Great Citizens

fond of Indians, keen on Victoria-India relations,
Indians have a genuine friend in the new premier

Once labelled by Jeff Kennett as 'friendless, little miserable man' who did not know how to value Victoria's diversity, John Brumby today is an accomplished man in his own right having led the resurgence of Victoria as treasurer and now becoming state's 45th Premier unopposed. There is yet another feather in John Brumby's cap, Victorian's seem to like to work with him and not overawed by him. 

Indians see him as a politician without the rough edges, a man who would not hurl a shovel full of sand on them and the Premier, talking exclusively to Bharat Times gives the Australian Indian community an A-GRADE certificate of appreciation/report card.

It was somewhere in the making for John Brumby, but he did not know.  

Did you have any inkling or idea as to what Mr. Bracks was about to do?" and the answer is, 'No, I didn't. I was very happy being the treasurer, the minister for regional development and the minister for innovation and had a very challenging and a very satisfying role and worked closely with the premier' John Brumby told BT. 

John Brumby perhaps was destined to lead this great Australian state. His stint in politics began as a member of federal parliament in 1983 and  finished when he was defeated in 1990. His entry into Victorian parliament came through his election to the Victorian Legislative Council at a by-election for the seat of Doutta Galla Province in February 1993. In June 1993, following Jim Kennan's resignation, John Brumby settled into the seat of Broadmeadows which he represents to date. 

Brumby as Premier of Victoria
On 27 July 2007 the then Victorian Premier, Steve Bracks, unexpectedly announced his resignation from politics, citing family reasons for the decision. Elected unopposed to succeed Steve Bracks, on 30 July John Brumby was sworn in as the 45th Premier of Victoria at a ceremony at Government House.

How is Victoria going to be different under Brumby?
Mr. Brumby: My number one task is to implement the policy commitments that the Government took to the last election be it schools rebuilding programs, the Children Hospital and all other commitments made back then. I have also identified areas where we can do more and can do better and those are - public transport, early childhood education, more open and democratic state - improved freedom of information, annual register detailing ministers trips overseas, health - fight against diabetes and more funds for cancer research and treatment…

more...

To get full picture of Indian Australian scene in Victoria, Australia, grab a copy of our print edition. Click Here to learn how.