Werribee MP Tim Pallas has come under fire from his constituents for not representing community views about the Werribee South youth detention centre furore.
Former Wyndham councillor and five-time mayor Shane Bourke was among many to express disappointment in Mr Pallas via social media.
“Tim Pallas had the nerve to say ‘my community’ in a newspaper article this morning. No Tim, it is not your community. Never has been and never will be,” Mr Bourke wrote on the Wyndham Star Weekly Facebook page.
Other comments on the Facebook page include this from Glen: “It is obvious Tim Pallas doesn’t care about his electorate. He should be listening to what the people are saying.”
And from Nicole: “He has clearly chosen his position as treasurer over being a member for Wyndham – shame on you, Tim Pallas, sitting in your ivory tower.”
Western metropolitan MP Bernie Finn called on Mr Pallas to resign.
“He has sold out the people of Werribee and he is not fit to represent them in parliament,” Mr Finn said.
Mr Pallas’ office did not respond to Star Weekly’s questions about the lack of consultation, community opposition and a request for more details, instead opting to release a short statement: “Werribee is a proud and growing community and this facility will not only complement the government’s plans for a justice precinct in Werribee – but ensure that there are a range of blue and white collar jobs for the growing area,” it read.
“We will continue to work closely with Wyndham city council and the local community to ensure the facility incorporates community feedback, as well as exploring opportunities for new transport and community infrastructure.”
