The wider public might not share all her opinions but at least Geelong state MP Christine Couzens (pictured) speaks her mind – despite the consequent whacks from her so-called superiors.
Earlier this year the Labor first-termer famously expressed opposition to Geelong’s ever-growing apartment towers, saying she would “certainly not support” anything over 15 storeys.
Planning Minister Richard Wynne was quick to reset the public record, mansplaining to his junior colleague “at length” so she understood the “broader context” of Geelong’s skyscraper future.
Ouch! In politics, that’s regarded as a major public slap-down.
But Christine was at it again this week, going on the record that she would consider a drug-injecting room trial in Geelong if Melbourne’s panned out.
Her comments drew another fast and furious rebuttal, this time from Andrews Government minister Martin Foley, who was reportedly on the blower quick smart to say Geelong would “never” host an injecting room.
Hopefully the one thing Geelong “never” hosts is a conga line of political compliance.
Go, Christine!
But as she licks her wounds, our outspoken MP will at least be happy to know that the public’s attention will be elsewhere this Friday.
Yes, it’s one of our great public celebrations: Friday 3 November – National Fountain Pen Day!
“If you love pens and pretty handwriting, this is a day to celebrate,” cheered a PR hack for – who else – one of Australia’s leading fountain pen brands.
Really, fountain pen day?
Well, yes. Apparently fountain pens are “back in fashion”, our hacker spun.
“In 2017 this classic writing instrument and valuable collector’s item has reached new heights of popularity for its elegance and prestige.”
Sheesh, settle down, mate – it’s just a pen, not a Porsche.
Anyway, Double Take might as well buy into the excitement and say, ‘Here’s to National Fountain Pen Day – let the ink run free!’
To end on a lower note, one of the most brainless criminal acts in recent times has stunned the Bellarine Peninsula.
Some moron, or morons, broke into Barwon Heads Fire Station, stealing crucial equipment and, according to brigade captain Helen Wood, making a “general mess”.
“We are devastated,” she said.
The community shared her sentiment on an Ocean Grove Voice Facebook link to the story, describing the perpetrators as “disgusting animals”, “low life” and “thoughtless thieves”.
Fair enough, too. After Victoria’s experiences with bushfire over the years it bogles the mind to think anyone could steal from a fire station on the eve of summer.
Police are investigating, with calls for information from any witness to unusual activity around the Sheepwash Rd station in the early hours of last Saturday.
