VIC: Kennett preamble irrelevant, says opposition

AAP General News (Australia)
04-14-1999
VIC: Kennett preamble irrelevant, says opposition

MELBOURNE, April 14 AAP - Victorian Premier Jeff Kennett should be more concerned with
police numbers than writing a constitutional preamble, opposition leader Steve Bracks said
today.

He also cited Mr Kennett's reference to the right for people to speak freely, saying
Victoria's police, public servants, teachers and nurses have had their free speech
hobbled.

Mr Bracks said Mr Kennett's version was irrelevant.

"Victorians are more concerned about the lack of police on the street than they are about
whether or not Mr Kennett's drafted a preamble," he told reporters.

"The premier's preamble lacks a lot of content and I think it's one which may be considered
by the prime minister, but considered very briefly."

Mr Bracks said he preferred the version written by Gareth Evans for federal opposition
leader Kim Beazley.

Labor tried to block Mr Kennett from detailing his version during question time in the
Victorian parliament today.

Mr Bracks unsuccessfully argued it was a misuse of question time for Mr Kennett to address
a federal issue.

AAP lmw/ra/jnb

KEYWORD: PREAMBLE BRACKS

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