By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
THE LABOR State Government has snubbed Geelong Mayor Darryn Lyons again, this time for a crucial Jetstar announcement at Avalon.
The snub was “petty and partisan”, said Liberal South Barwon MP Andrew Katos.
Premier Daniel Andrews assembled an all-star cast for the major announcement of Jetstar’s continued tenancy at Avalon with a 10-year, $12 million injection of taxpayer funds.
But the assembled media took to the Princes Hwy following the announcement, making a beeline for City Hall to seek comment from Cr Lyons.
Mr Andrews also snubbed Cr Lyons last year as opposition leader when making a $100 million election promise at Simonds Stadium.
“It shows you how partisan and petty the Labor party can be,” Mr Katos said.
“Whether it’s a Liberal or Labor mayor, irrespective of what state or federal government is in power you’ve still got to have respect for the mayor.
“I don’t understand why Daniel Andrews is operating like this.
“Irrespective of the mayor’s colour, race, sexual orientation or political orientation, he should be invited when there are significant announcements.
“He’s Geelong’s directly elected mayor, so when you snub the mayor you snub Geelong.
“We’re not talking a small opening or launch here. This is something the mayor has been advocating for some time, fighting to keep Avalon operating.”
Mr Katos said previous Liberal state governments had invited Labor mayors to announcements in Geelong and on the Surf Coast, including Rose Hodge, Peter McMullin and Michael Crutchfield.
He said protocol would normally dictate the local mayor be invited, especially in Cr Lyons’ role as chair of local councils alliance body G21. The alliance’s chief, Elaine Carbines, a former state Labor MP, was invited.
“This is just pettiness and also vindictive,” Mr Katos said.
“But it doesn’t surprise me.”
The Independent has heard speculation about Cr Lyons planning to stand for federal politics against the ALP’s Corio incumbent, Richard Marles, adding to the political divide.
The Independent also understands that Linfox, operator of Avalon Airport, was set to invite Cr Lyons but the Andrews Government withdrew the invitation.
Cr Lyons, a Liberal party member, declined to comment on the latest snub.
But last year he said the Simonds Stadium snub had left him perplexed.
“It was disappointing. I don’t know why I wasn’t invited,” he said at the time.
“I’ve championed those projects. I’m all about getting the most funding I can for Geelong.
“As far as I am concerned, politics doesn’t come into it.”
State Government did not respond for comment before the Independent went to press.
