PM comes bearing gifts

By Paul Dunlop
PRIME Minister John Howard promised extra funding for bypass works and shrugged off any hint of a falling out with local MP Russell Broadbent during a lively visit to Pakenham last Wednesday.
Mr Howard, recently at odds with Mr Broadbent over tough new immigration laws, was given a rousing reception by more than 700 people at a community reception at the Cardinia Cultural Centre.
Mr Howard was in town as Mr Broadbent’s guest during a whistlestop tour of Gippsland.
He said the Federal Government would support a Kooweerup bypass in addition to its contribution to the $242 million Pakenham Bypass, which is under construction.
The Prime Minister was also quick to dispel any suggestion his visit was orchestrated as a show of solidarity with Mr Broadbent, who famously crossed the floor to vote against his government’s immigration bill.
Asked by reporters why he had chosen to come here at this time, Mr Howard said he had long made a practice of visiting electorates around the country when Parliament was not sitting.
“I have great respect for Russell Broadbent, he is a terrific local MP,” Mr Howard said.
“He is an incredibly energetic and hard hitting representative for this area.”
Mr Broadbent said the Prime Minister was very welcome in Pakenham.
When Mr Broadbent thanked Mr Howard for coming – and agreeing to fund the extra bypass works – the Prime Minister joked that coming to Pakenham had been an “expensive trip”.
Expense aside, Mr Howard would have been pleased with the reception he received.
School children, community representatives, service club members, scouts, guides and volunteers from several groups and organisations clapped and cheered as Mr Howard and Mr Broadbent moved among the crowd.
Mr Howard described Pakenham as a town still rural at heart but continuing to expand on several levels.
He and Mr Broadbent both praised the strong community spirit that continued to thrive in the fastgrowing town. Mr Howard also paid tribute to the many volunteer organisations.
The number of people at the gathering was such that at least one person had to be treated by first aid staff after beginning to feel faint.
Children from the Lakeside Lutheran School led the audience in the singing national anthem, supported by the Cardinia Civic Concert Band.
Bunurong Land Council official Sonia Murray led a traditional Aboriginal welcome, drawing attention to her people’s long association with the area.
Mr Howard stayed about two hours, posing for pictures with residents, shaking hands and even dishing out high fives to a couple of young locals.
Sean Quagliani and friend Daniel Mason were the happy recipients of the Prime Minister’s teen version of a handshake.
“I got Steve Bracks one other time and now I’ve highfived John Howard as well,” Sean said.
Jean and Jim Bowman travelled all the way from Poowong to be at the reception.
Jackie Murphy said her 10yearold daughter Michelle had pledged not to wash her hand again after it was shaken by the Prime Minister.
Questions at a later press conference centred mainly on the situation in Iraq and Margaret Whitlam’s criticisms of the handholding conduct of Mr Howard’s wife Janette.
All were straightbatted. Then there was that trademark wave, into the white ministerial car and on to Korumburra.