Debate is the foundation of all democracies. Debate allows proponents not only to articulate and defend their positions, but it ensures accountability and responsible decision making. For the past decade Glen Eira has been bereft of genuine and vigorous debate. Far too often residents have no clear idea of why certain decisions are made, nor the bases for such decisions. Council meetings regularly become mutual admiration societies, rather than the forum for discussion, argument, persuasion, facts, figures, and respect for community views. Residents deserve better than this. If local councils are truly the ‘third tier of government’ as proclaimed by such peak bodies as the MAV and VLGA, then Councillors and Administrators must be prepared to voice individual opinions, and stand ready to back up such opinions with reasoned argument.
Glen Eira Debates intends to become the forum where such debate may take place. We extend an open invitation to all councillors and administrators to engage with their community in an open and transparent fashion. Let us read what you think and why you hold this view. Let us debate the issues that will see local governments become more than ‘service’ agencies and really fulfil their mandates as representatives of the people!
A couple of rules however:
1. Comments will be vetted by several moderators so that defamatory remarks are censored
2. Anonymity will be maintained – simply post your comments under aliases if you like
3. Reasoned argument and ‘fact’ will always be welcomed on any issue affecting residents and ratepayers of Glen Eira
Finally, Glen Eira Debates will seek to redress what many see as the malaise of the past decade. Both criticism and praise will be levelled where appropriate and fudged figures and facts disclosed as nothing more than spin. It’s time that Glen Eira is seen as more than a cosy ‘club’. It must become a vibrant and proactive municipality that is transparent and fully accountable for its decision making.
Glen Eira Debates 
June 28, 2010 at 3:27 PM
Best wishes – I sincerely hope that your endeavours hit pay dirt and the community will finally have something they can get their teeth into!
June 29, 2010 at 10:52 AM
To the administrator,
Just found this site. Hope it can flourish. Can you tell people that you exist? Any suggestion for others to let people know? What are the current pressing issues to debate?
John
June 30, 2010 at 10:28 AM
Good luck to this site and I hope it is informative.
June 30, 2010 at 10:31 AM
Now we can utilise this site to expose what is going on in this Council and carry on what Mary started.
June 30, 2010 at 10:37 AM
Thank her up there that we can continue to discuss what is occuring in our Municipality and we can have a voice that Councillors listen to on a daily basis.I hope that a lot of people gravitate to this site and express their views free of anti-semetism.
June 30, 2010 at 12:35 PM
Thank you for your post Concerned Resident. What we wish to make absolutely clear is that Glen Eira Debates is not Mary’s blog, nor will it be concentrating on personalities or ethnic groups. The objective will always be to stimulate discussion on issues that affect residents and ratepayers. We simply are not interested in personal attacks, anti Council or pro Council zealotry, or debate that degenerates into racial vilification. Our focus is always on issues and facts.
September 11, 2010 at 6:59 AM
PETER BROHIER – INDEPENDENT FOR CAULFIELD
FOR FUNDAMENTAL MULTI – BILLION DOLLAR PROJECTS THAT COULD HAVE COST VICTORIANS ALMOST NOTHING
REDUCE PEAK HOUR TRAFFIC CONGESTION AND UNNECESSARY DEVELOPMENT To better use our infrastructure – develop two cities by Port Phillip Bay – Melbourne and Geelong – save $billions by linking the Port Phillip Heads and use the existing road and rail system around the Bay both ways at peak hour – intense inner suburban residential development can be unnecessary. Save carbon emissions through faster traffic flows.
ASK FOR VICTORIA’S HUGE ENTITLEMENT TO EXISTING BASS STRAIT FEDERAL FUNDING To apply existing resources and uncapped federal funding, obtained by Peter Brohier and his National Sea Highway Committee, to bring huge benefits to Victoria through application of a more effective and equitable, interstate inter-capital transport corridor, including a well-justified Federally funded solution to traffic congestion, and removing difficulties arising from the 8 rail crossings in Glen Eira.
MAKE CAULFIELD MORE LEAFY AND VALUABLE To deliver a leafy and more valuable Glen Eira by planting canopy trees over our major roads.
A FABULOUS NEW SHOPPING, SPORTING AND CULTURAL PRECINCT To establish a new fabulous billion dollar inner-city regional shopping, recreational and cultural centre at the Caulfield Railway Station transport hub – easily accessible by rail, tram and bus from many parts of Melbourne. Reduce our taxes by avoiding needless duplication of similar facilities elsewhere.
A NEW BILLION DOLLAR PARK To open up and facilitate substantial use of our Caulfield $2 billion recreational and racing crown land reserve.
CHEAP ACCESS TO THE AIRPORT For long overdue access to Melbourne Airport on a Met ticket by tram.
A NATIONAL PUBLIC LOBBY To support the concept of a National Public Lobby to balance the influence of paid lobbyists and give the public the best chance of ensuring promises are kept after an election.
National Public Lobby nationalpubliclobby.maptag.com.au and brohier.maptag.com.au
FOR CHEAP, QUICK, SIMPLE AND POPULAR OUTCOMES THAT CAN MAKE THINGS SO MUCH BETTER
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PETER BROHIER Chairman, former National Sea Highway Committee.
Mr.Brohier has been a very strong advocate for a better deal for people on Bass Strait. I think he has done a terrific job over the last few years. Through his efforts he is probably more responsible than anybody else for the introduction of the vehicle subsidy, I would think.” Paul Lennon, a former Premier of Tasmania, Hansard 12 April 2002 “Peter, you can, and should take personal credit for the improvements in Bass Strait fare equality. The campaign you and the National Sea Highway Committee have waged over many years has succeeded in delivering better fares for Tasmanians. Peter, I thank you for your hard work on behalf of this State. All Tasmanians must salute you for your achievements.” Bob Cheek, MHA, a former Liberal Leader of the Opposition, Tasmania “SenatorBarnett, I and a few others met with the restaurant and catering representatives of the Australian Hotels Association-tourism and hospitality being a growth area in our home state because of the Bass Strait Passenger Vehicle Equalisation Scheme initiated by the Howard Government”. Senator Abetz, Hansard 6th December 2004 “Senator Colbeck said the scheme, combined with the Spirit of Tasmania ferries, was the next best thing to a highway link with the rest of Australia. He said the figures confirmed that without the decision to introduce the scheme, the ferries would not be the success they have been.” The Mercury, 13th July 2004 Van Diemen’s Reborn Land “Tourism is soaring, the economy is growing (the forecast is 3.5% next year), unemployment is falling and Tasmanians are no longer leaving home. Introduction of two daily ferry services from Melbourne in 2002, have fed the rush” The Economist, 17th January 2004
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Authorised by Peter Brohier 143 Kooyong Road, Nth. Caulfield. Ph 0415 941 314
September 13, 2010 at 5:44 AM
Hi Peter, you have a supporter. Unfortunately I am not in Caulfield District, but Oakleigh District, so I cannot vote for you. A pity.
Pity you are not standing for the Upper House. Your platform is much, much bigger than Caulfield District. If I were you I would nominate for the Southern Metropolitan Region, which includes Caulfield station and Racecourse, as well as Frankston, Dandenong and Sandringham lines.That means you can promote the Footscray/Caulfield metro Eddington tunnel.
If also you would exchange preferences with Sue Penniciuk you actually would have an improved chance of being elected and/or have an immediate impact on major party policies for the November election.
Good luck Peter for you and the National Public Lobby.
If you change your mind and want to nominate as a Group that is what you need to do (from vec site):
“Can I register a group?
Multiple candidates for a single Region can register as a group for the purposes of the Legislative Council (Upper House) ballot paper.
Groups (or parties) can register one or more group voting tickets, which inform the voter how preferences will be directed for every vote ‘above the line’ for the group. Once a group voting ticket has been registered, that group is entitled to a box ‘above the line’ on the Upper House ballot paper.
Party affiliated groups have their party name on the ballot paper, or a composite group (groups formed by multiple parties) can request a name formed from the names of the parties. Non party affiliated groups can not register a name for their group.
The order in which the group’s members should be listed on the ballot paper can be specified by a group representative.
Candidates can register their group using the Request for Group Registration form that is available in the Candidate Kit. Party representatives manage this process for political party candidates.
Requests to register as a group must be lodged with the VEC 24 hours before the close of nominations. For political parties this is also the closing time for nominations.
All candidates wishing to be included in the group must have nominated before the group registration request is submitted.
Candidates can not be included in more than one group.”
September 13, 2010 at 8:15 AM
Just to make it clear, the National Public Lobby describes a function necessary for an effective democracy and not necessarily a group. There is no restriction however on a group or political party or anyone else wishing to take this platform to the people at the election, anywhere in Victoria and including the Southern region. Whatever party you support this platform delivers equity, can generate $ billions and can be simply implemented. You are welcome to make the issues well known on the web and across Victoria. Many thanks for your kind support.
June 2, 2011 at 11:56 AM
Just one point I would like to make. When Mary Walsh operated a blog everyone knew who she was and they certainly knew what she thought. With Glen Eira Debates no one knows who is running the show. It could be run by some councul admin. people or councillors not getting their way in the town hall. There are a couple of councillors that would fit the bill. No one knows. Everyone knew Mary, love her or not she was out there. Good luck anyway.