Brown: O’Farrell a policy-free zone

MELISSA MICHIE

MEMBER for Kiama Matt Brown said it was good to have State Opposition leader Barry O’Farrell visit Kiama last week, but it showed he was a “policy-free zone”.

“He was criticised by Peter Collins (former State Opposition leader) for having no policies and nothing has changed,” Mr Brown said.

Mr Brown felt the Liberal Party was not showing itself as an alternative government.

“There was no announcement, no policy, no vision, no direction, no stewardship,” he said.

“I have no idea why he came down; he listened, but people expect leadership.”

Mr Brown spoke about the State Government’s investment in the area, including the North Kiama Bypass, Kiama High School rebuild, emergency services investment and health services improvement.

In response to Mr Brown’s comments, Member for South Coast Shelley Hancock said Mr Brown had failed to bring the new Premier to Kiama.

“He has failed to give community leaders and residents a chance to tell the Premier first hand what needs to be done locally,” Mrs Hancock said.

“Rather than sniping at a successful community leaders meeting with Barry O’Farrell, he should focus on getting Kristina Keneally to visit his electorate.

“Barry O’Farrell’s trip to Kiama to meet with community leaders from Kiama, Shoalhaven and Shellharbour and discuss the Liberals’ plans to restore the Illawarra’s economy, rebuild infrastructure and fix the health system was a great success.

“In stark contrast to Labor, the Liberals are interested in sharing our plans to rebuild the region and take on board the community’s suggestions.

“Barry detailed our plans to establish Infrastructure NSW so that vital projects such as the Princes Highway Gerringong to Bomaderry upgrade are delivered on budget and in a timely manner – something that Matt Brown and Labor has failed to do.

“Barry also detailed our plan to scrap Labor’s failed South East Sydney Area Health Service.”