PREMIER Ted Baillieu is bracing for an explosive meeting tomorrow with a growing group of MPs increasingly unhappy with the crisis surrounding Victoria Police.
After more than a week of damaging headlines and paralysis at the top, Liberal MPs are demanding action and leadership.
Outspoken Liberal backbencher Bernie Finn yesterday told the Herald Sun he shared the deep concerns of colleague Bill Tilley over the treatment of the ousted deputy police chief, Sir Ken Jones.
The feud within police command between Chief Commissioner Simon Overland and Sir Ken has blown into Mr Baillieu's first full-scale political crisis since winning power in November.
Mr Tilley, the parliamentary secretary for police and emergency services, had warned he might go as far as sitting as an independent because he was so unhappy with the Government's handling of the problem.
But after a day of political pressure and in a brief two-line statement, Mr Tilley last night said he remained "a committed member of the Liberal Party and a strong supporter of the Baillieu Government".
He warned, however, that he "will be working within the parliamentary party to address issues of concern".
Any defections would put the Coalition's slim majority at risk. The Coalition has 45 seats to Labor's 43 in the 88-seat Lower House.
The State Government went into shutdown mode yesterday, with advisers failing to provide answers to key questions asked by theHerald Sun.
Mr Tilley, who served in Victoria Police for 11 years, is the most vocal of a growing group of Coalition MPs furious the Government's meddling in Victoria Police has backfired.
They are especially unhappy with the role played by Mr Baillieu's right-hand man, Michael Kapel, in undermining both Sir Ken and Mr Overland.
Mr Finn confirmed there is a growing anger within the party over the issues and it will be raised for debate in the party room.
"I share Bill Tilley's concerns," he said.
"I will strongly express my views in the party room.
"Hopefully this will be sorted out this week as I don't want to see more good people hurt."
Many MPs contacted by the Herald Sun are refusing to publicly comment about the problems, but, behind the scenes, there is deep unrest at Mr Baillieu's style of leadership.
"Things are running out of control and it doesn't look like anybody is in charge," a Liberal MP said.
Last week, Mr Baillieu said no decision would be made until all four reports into Victoria Police were made public.
It may be next year before the report into police command is completed.
heraldsun.com.au 13 Jun 2011
Comments from Article:
g of oz Posted at 7:09 AM Today
The OPI and Simon Overland should be removed!
The extent of police corruption is being covered up, by naturally the police itself and the government.
No one is mentioning the corrupt police with regards to illegal prostitution in the Melbourne suburbs of St. Kilda and Footscray.
No one is mentioning the corrupt police dealings in the the drug strong hold controlled areas of Carlton.
No one is mentioning the kickbacks and the police involvement of known associates within in the crime ridden areas of Broadmeadows and Werribee.
More government cover ups, dismissals of hearings, inadmissible information, and threats made to whistle blowers as the inquiry into police corruption in Victoria is made.
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