By XAVIER SMERDON
MELBOURNE’S West will struggle to receive its fair share of federal funding without Julia Gillard as Prime Minister, according to local politicians and advocates.
CEO of LeadWest, Anton Mayer, said Ms Gillard had “put Wyndham on the map”.
“She certainly played an important role in championing the West,” Mr Mayer said.
“It has been of real value to be able to say that we are the home to the PM.”
Mr Mayer said he was “hugely disappointed” with Ms Gillard’s dismissal, and he said the West would need to fight harder for what it needs.
“It would be fair to say we have to work a bit harder to push the buttons,” he said.
“It is a big advantage having the Prime Minister in your own region, and I think sometimes people forget that.”
State Member for Tarneit, Tim Pallas, said he was sad for Ms Gillard and in hindsight she would be remembered as a great Prime Minister.
“I think history will judge her a lot more gently,” Mr Pallas said.
“I’m disappointed that the broader Australian public never got to appreciate what the real Julia was like.
“It will mean that the West will lose an outstanding advocate, but there are plenty of other talented people that are willing to take up the struggle.
“I think it highlights the fact that whoever replaces her (in the Lalor electorate) has very big shoes to fill.”
The focus was also turned to the Member for Maribyrnong, Bill Shorten, who publicly swapped his support from Ms Gillard to Kevin Rudd just before a caucus vote.
Mr Mayer, who has worked with Mr Shorten frequently in recent years, said he did not view Mr Shorten as a traitor.
“No I don’t think he betrayed the West at all. I don’t look at Bill and think any less of him,” he said.
‘I’m sure he’ll be around in a senior role for a lot longer.
“He’s far too smart and important not to have a role that reflects that.”
Mr Pallas said he respected Mr Shorten for making his decision to support Kevin Rudd public and that the Federal Labor Party was still the best choice for the residents of the western suburbs.
