JANUARY 23, 2018 \ STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
NEWS + SPORT + PROPERTY GUIDE
MP expense saga ends
– The Age
Chop causes little dread
(Marco De Luca)
Police investigations into Don Nardella have been dropped due to a lack of evidence to criminally charge the former Labor MP after he claimed more than $100,000 to live in Ocean Grove instead of his seat of Melton. Mr Nardella and fellow Labor politician Telmo Languiller both claimed a taxpayer-funded second residence allowance for living outside of their electorates while residing on the Bellarine Peninsula. Mr Languiller resigned as speaker and Mr Nardella as deputy speaker of Victoria’s Parliament last February after The Age revealed they had claimed tens of thousands of dollars to live in the coastal towns. Mr Languiller claimed about $38,000 to live in Queenscliff instead of his Tarneit electorate. The second residence allowance is intended for country MPs who maintain an address in Melbourne. Police have written to the opposition to say no charges will be laid, due to a lack of evidence. “The investigation has determined that there is insufficient evidence to support any criminal charges and that there are no reasonable prospects of a successful prosecution if either member were to be charged,” Assistant Commissioner Stephen Fontana wrote. A police spokeswoman said the matter was considered closed and they would not be making any further comment. The expenses scandal has been politically costly for both men. Mr Nardella was expelled from the ALP after he initially refused to repay the money and now sits on the cross benches as an independent. Mr Languiller remains a Labor MP but has moved to the backbench. Both MPs will retire at the November election. The expenses saga prompted the Andrews government to crack down on MPs’ entitlements, including introducing legislation to scrap the existing entitlement system. An Andrews government spokesman said: “The government notes the conclusion of this investigation, as we continue to overhaul Victoria’s out of date and inadequate MP entitlement system.” Mr Languiller said he welcomed the police decision. “I look forward to continuing as the member for Tarneit in the Parliament and delivering for the people of the western suburbs,” he said. Mr Nardella did not respond at the time of deadline.
Telia Coverdale has taken four years to grow and maintain her dreadlocks – now she’s getting ready to shave the lot off for the Leukemia Foundation. The 18-year-old Arnolds Creek resident will shed her mane in a bid to raise at least $2000 for blood cancer research. She will get the clipper treatment from her hairdresser sister on March 17. The World’s Greatest Shave is the foundation’s major annual fundraiser with many participants around the west getting the chop for charity. Telia hopes the money she raises will help give families facing blood cancer the emotional and practical support they need, as well as help drive vital research. “Shaving my hair is something I always considered doing, however I never thought I would grow the courage to actually go ahead with the idea,” she said. “After four years of my beloved dreads I thought that maybe it’s time to let go – and what better way to do it then raise money for a worthy cause? “I’ve seen many families close to my own have horrible experiences with cancer and leukemia, so I thought if I can make a difference, small or big, it is worth it. “I think if we all adopted this mindset to issues in society we could support one another. “That’s why I have chosen to do so – so that maybe others can grow the courage to do things that support organisations like the Leukemia Foundation. “The response people have shown already is overwhelming.” Telia’s friends and family will have opportunities to cut off one of her dreadlocks in return for a donation. Details: bit.ly/2mH4GMM Esther Lauaki