Disturbing concerns surrounding the ACT Greens/Labor government’s takeover of the well-run Calvary Hospital have emerged over discussions I’ve had with constituents over the weekend. In my view, these need to be fully investigated.
Any potential witnesses/whistleblowers need protection and an appropriate forum to fully express their revelations. I believe this probably can only realistically occur after the October election, but I’m coming to the view that the new ACT government needs to consider a Royal Commission into some of the alleged dubious practices undertaken by this government, especially over such important decisions as the forced takeover of Calvary Hospital.
On a more pleasant note, the Belco Party has announced its last two candidates for the October election.
Angela Lount, fourth-generation Belconnen resident, well-known blues singer, and former 2020 candidate, will stand again for the party in Ginninderra. Angela was born in the old Royal Canberra Hospital – as were her two colleagues Alan Tutt and myself – and, like us, grew up in Canberra, went to government schools, and, in Angela’s case, never left Canberra. Indeed, Angela has always lived in Belconnen. (The Lount family used to own all the land now covered by the suburbs of Weetangera, Hawker, and Cook in the 19th and early 20th centuries.)
Angela works at the CSIRO (her day job), and is a carer, wife, mother, and grandmother. She lives in Spence, and until 2020, had always voted Labor, coming from a good Labor family. Angela is also part-Tongan on her mother’s side.
A highly practical, sensible, pleasant, and experienced lady with huge doses of commonsense and life experience, Angela would make a great member (and minister) for Ginninderra. It’s unfortunate that, due to family and work reasons, she has not been able to put her hand up until now.
Greg Bourke, local former Cessnock working-class hero and former jockey turned jockey’s agent, has also put up his hand to join Jason Taylor as a candidate for Yerrabi.
Bourkey went to Cessnock Primary and High School with former Labor Defence Minister and all-round good bloke Joel Fitzgibbon. When Bourkey left school at 15, his dad told him: “Son, remember – always vote Labor, and the union will look after you.” Bourkey did that until 2012.
He rode with the legendary Wayne Harris, and, after a nasty fall in 1989, became a successful and much respected jockey’s agent.
Bourkey is passionate about ensuring the local Greens don’t destroy racing in Canberra and is very supportive of the local race clubs’ plans for Thoroughbred Park. He’s also very much a local government kind of guy who wants Gungahlin to look neat and tidy and well-maintained. If elected, he’ll be a tough little battler for his local community. He lives with his family in Ngunnawal.
If any other independent or small party candidates want me to write something about them in this column, please write to me at the Weekly so we can have a chat.
Editor’s note: Bill Stefaniak will stand as a Belco Party candidate for Ginninderra in the ACT election in October.
