Embattled … Planning Minister Justin Madden is under pressure. 18035







CONTROVERSIAL Keilor MP George Seitz could be dumped from Parliament, and embattled Planning Minister Justin Madden demoted to Mr Seitz’s seat in the Lower House.

In a move that would rock local and state politics, Mr Seitz could be asked by the ALP to step down from his seat after being implicated in the recent Ombudsman’s report into misconduct by former Brimbank councillors.

Mr Madden has been under fire for alleged knowledge of his former electorate officer, Hakki Suleyman’s, interference in the council, with pressure mounting for his resignation.

The Age reported last week that factional powerbrokers had been discussing the peace deal to calm the community ahead of the ALP state conference held at the weekend.

Issues such as the Ombudsman’s report into Brimbank Council, alleged long-term branch stacking by the ALP and the future of veteran Labor MPs were expected to be discussed. Mr Madden has denied any involvement in the Brimbank scandal and the Premier has thrown his full support behind him.

Suggestions that Mr Madden could be relegated follow revelations by a well-known community group that they have had “significant problems” with the Niddrie MP.

Autism Angels spokesperson Chris Saunders said the group had spoken with almost all other local MPs during its crusade for autism awareness and support for the State Autism Plan, but Mr Madden had to date ignored their calls and letters requesting a meeting. Mr Saunders described Mr Madden’s behaviour as “quite frankly appalling”.

“None of the letters, faxes or emails that we sent Justin Madden ever received a reply,” Mr Saunders said.

Mr Saunders said the Autism Angels were planning a mass demonstration outside Justin Madden’s office within the next month and would stand a candidate against Mr Madden in the next election to “show how he has failed the people of the Western Suburbs”.

Star contacted Mr Seitz but he refused to comment on suggestions he could be sacked.

Star also contacted the ALP state secretary Stephen Newnham for comment on the state conference but phone calls were not returned.