Matt rolls up his sleeves

MARK BRANSDON

Matt Brown has returned to work, wanting to put the events of the past two weeks behind him to concentrate on the needs of his electorate.

During an interiew on Monday, the Member for Kiama, whose electorate includes Albion Park and Shell Cove, seemed downcast and reserved, although he said he had been humbled by the messages of support.

He would not be drawn into the events that led to him losing the Police Minister’s portfolio.

“I’ve said everything I’ve had to say about that,” he said.

“I’m back at work, and was last week, mainly because of the extraordinary support of the people in the community.”

Mr Brown said that support had been overwhelming.

“It’s been tough,” he said. “When things like this happen to you and your family it’s tough.

“(but) There has been a huge amount of support and there was on Saturday night (at the Kiama Wine Show Awards Dinner) as well.

“What gives me the greatest pleasure about my job always has been serving the communities I represent.

“This morning I’ve had back-to-back constituents and people still wanting my help and representations and I feel good to be able to keep giving that sort of service.

“I went into Woolies yesterday and people were coming up and saying ‘thanks for the great work you’ve done for our community. We know how much you’ve given and we want you to stay’. That’s why I’m back at work.”

Mr Brown was adamant that he had the best interests of the community at heart.

“I’m not going to let anyone destroy me or the good work that I’m doing for this community,” he said.

“This has taught me a big lesson and I’ve learnt from it.”

He said his immediate concern was to ensure that all the projects he was working on were delivered.

“My next big projects are to get the coastal walking trail up and going, completed, and to get the preferred alignment for Gerringong to Bomaderry,” he said.

“These are the issues that people want written about, spoken about and debated. They’re the ones I’m going to concentrate on.”

Mr Brown said he had received cards, letters and emails from lawyers, business bodies, constituents and elsewhere.

“Hang in there. You represent Kiama with distinction,” one letter said.

He said he had received emails from people in New York and one from Switzerland that read, in part: “We’re lucky the Opposition and all the journalists in Australia are virginal, tea-totalling saints.”

Many had encouraged him to “keep your chin up”.

So was he?

“It’s been tough,” he said. “(but) I’ve got a job to do and I’ll do it.

“I’m back at work after a pretty horrid ordeal, mainly because of the support I’ve been given from the community and my family and that’s the way I’m going to concentrate my efforts in the future.”