Is he the next Lord Mayor of Melbourne?

What motivated you to run for Lord Mayor, and what attracts you most about the position?

I love Melbourne, it’s a wonderful city and I can see an even brighter future if our team is given the chance to deliver. We have the skills and the plan to make Melbourne an even better place to live and do business.

What experience and personal qualities would you bring to the position of Lord Mayor?

I have spent fourteen years in State Parliament, four as Leader of the Opposition. I am currently a principal of management consultancy firm The Nous Group. I am also Chairman of Melbourne Health (Royal Melbourne Hospital.) I am passionate and committed to making Melbourne the best city it can be.

What do you love most about Melbourne?

Melbourne’s calendar! It’s spring and l love the weather, spring racing, the gardens. In winter it’s all about the footy, Anzac Day is about the Shrine; there isn’t a day in Melbourne where you can’t find something to be proud of and enjoy.

What is your vision for the City, do you see change needed?

We will be building from a solid base but there are areas we can do better. What is important though is to deliver what you promise. We will address safety issues in our homes and in our streets, traffic congestion, the cleanliness of the city, keeping rates down for residents as well as keeping Melbourne a world class city and a great place to live and visit. We will do, not just say!

What type of relationship will you seek between the Melbourne City Council and the State Government?

An equal partnership, I am happy to work with the State Government on important projects but MCC will not be a doormat.

As your Deputy, Susan Riley brings an in-depth understanding of the City of Melbourne; with your state government experience and Susan’s local government experience was your decision to team together an obvious one?
Susan is passionate about Melbourne; she has expertise in the policies and politics of MCC. Her business experience and past position as Deputy Lord Mayor to John So makes her the ideal choice.

As publisher of 3008 Docklands Magazine, Susan Riley is obviously passionate about the Docklands, what strengths will Susan bring as Deputy Lord Mayor?

Susan brings a clear understanding of the Docklands Community. She knows the needs and the issues concerning residents of the City of Melbourne.

In your opinion, what do the Docklands offer that is unique to Melbourne?
Docklands is the new face of Melbourne, an amazing array of businesses and homes but still a work in progress. The challenge is to build not just beautiful architecture but a Docklands Community and Susan and I are committed to do this.

What do you envisage for the Docklands in regards to future planning strategies and policy making decisions?

We will spell out an explicit plan in the coming weeks. As the Docklands grows rapidly the amenities for the people need to be able to keep up.