Author: Brodie Cowburn

RE-ELECTED Isaacs MP has lost the Attorney-General portfolio after reported factional infighting.Dreyfus has been Attorney-General since the 2022 federal election. He previously served in the role under Prime Ministers Kevin Rudd and Julia Gillard. Last week, the daily newspapers reported that Dreyfus’ position was in jeopardy as a result of a factional war. On Thursday it was reported that Dreyfus and fellow MP Ed Husic had been removed from the cabinet. Dreyfus had extensive experience as a lawyer prior to entering Parliament – he worked as a barrister for two decades, and was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 1999. Among the…

Read More

NEARLY $50 million for the Mordi Aquatic Centre project is the centrepiece of Kingston Council’s draft budget. Although the draft budget includes an average rate rise of three percent, a majority of councillors also voted to receive a report back assessing the possibility of a budget without a rate increase. The report will also investigate smaller rate increases than what is proposed in the draft budget. Council has set aside $103.6 million for infrastructure works in the 2025/2026 financial year. That includes $48.6 million for the Mordi Aquatic Centre, $20.5 million for community and sporting facilities, $20.2 million for roads,…

Read More

A PROPOSAL to release information about the standing down of Cr Jane Agirtan has sparked disagreement between Kingston councillors. Councillor Jane Agirtan was stood down under section 229 of the Local Government Act after being charged with breaching a personal safety intervention order. At Kingston Council’s 28 April meeting, councillor Chris Hill moved a notice of motion to “where possible, release details of the internal review that has taken place into the events that led to the standing down of a councillor” and “develop a robust process for the handling of similar matters in future that incorporates the principles of…

Read More

MPNFL MEN’S DIV ONEPINES have handed Rosebud their first defeat of the 2025 season. A stirring final quarter comeback saw the Pythons topple Rosebud. Pines overcame a 22 point three-quarter-time deficit to claim a brilliant 15.8 (98) to 13.8 (86) win. Pines kicked seven goals in the final term, and restricted Rosebud to just one. Lachlan Sharp was the hero for Pines – he booted five goals in a best-on-ground performance. Callum White kicked four goals for Rosebud.Edithvale-Aspendale’s strong start to the season continued on Saturday with a win over Mt Eliza.Edi-Asp have lost just one game so far this…

Read More

OWNERS of vacant land in Frankston’s city centre are set to face big rate increases. Under a proposal put forward by Frankston Council, vacant properties within the Frankston Metropolitan Activity Centre and along the Nepean Highway would be subject to a differential rate three times higher than the general rate. Frankston mayor Kris Bolam said the proposed change would address “land banking” and encourage developers to build. “There are several key locations across our city that have remained vacant since the early 2000s. This kind of tactical underdevelopment is no longer sustainable, so the council is taking steps to counteract…

Read More