Lost but not out: Labor has not been decimated. Brumby should stay on.

John Brumby overallm as commented by the Herald Sun and The Age editorials, delivered responsible government, It had been in office for three terms and was seeking a fourth. 11 years is a long time in government.

I have a lot of respect for John Brumby and his commitment to strong fiscal management,  I believe his investment in our schools, hospitals and law reform and enforcement were exemplary when compared to past governments. 

Labor ran a very centralised campaign where decisions of campaigning were made from head-office,  The organisational structure lacked delegation to those on the ground.  

John Brumby was everywhere in your face, to such a point that it became somewhat overbearing at times,  even the how-to-vote cards reflected this over statement.

The Labor Party has not been decimated in this election and as such should be able to provide a strong opposition, provided it is able to undergo  renewal without pulling itself apart in the coming weeks and months to follow.

John Brumby should stay on as leader of the State Labor Party. He has a lot to offer Victoria.

The Sunday Herald Sun believes that on balance Labor is best equipped to deliver strong government

In determining whether Mr Brumby and Labor deserve another chance on November 27, the Sunday Herald Sun is asking two questions.

First, has Labor delivered over the past four years under both former premier Steve Bracks and Mr Brumby?

Second, is Ted Baillieu and his Coalition better equipped than Labor to lead Victoria through the significant social and economic challenges we face over the next four years?

 Mr Brumby inherited the premiership in August 2007 from Mr Bracks.

The Sunday Herald Sun believes Victoria's un-elected Premier has, over the past 1214 days, delivered the people a solid Government, based on the bedrock of responsible financial management. It has been largely free from the personal scandals born of hubris that engulf most long-term governments.

Victoria's forecast surplus is $3.2 billion over the next four years. We are the only state that achieved a surplus during the global economic crisis. Our prized AAA credit rating remains intact.

Our unemployment rate is currently 5.5 per cent. Strong jobs growth has been achieved in the midst of a historic boom taking Victoria's population to 5.5 million.

While our hospitals and schools are far from perfect, the Government has made massive investments in education and health.

The Treasurer inside Mr Brumby appears to have prevailed and Labor has gambled and not embarked on a spending blitz over the past month.

Much of the funding has been injected into policies that will play well in the family-dominated growth corridors.
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Mr Baillieu deserves applause for taking a stand against the Greens. By refusing to give them preferences he has all but ended that party's hopes of holding the balance of power. Voters should be wary of the Greens, a party led by self-appointed moral arbiters who believe themselves to be above scrutiny. As Victoria faces the challenges ahead we will need strong government more than ever.

 The Sunday Herald Sun believes that on balance Labor is best equipped to deliver strong government over the next term. So today, we urge Victorians to re-elect John Brumby.

theeditor@sundayheraldsun.com.au