SURPRISED: Local Liberal MP Simon Ramsay is positive about new Victorian Premier Denis Napthine.
LOCAL Liberal MP Simon Ramsay has expressed surprise at the departure of Ted Baillieu but also remains positive about Ballarat’s future under Denis Napthine.
The Member for Western Victoria said he was blindsided by the sudden turn of events in which Mr Baillieu resigned from the party leadership. He lauded his former leader as an “excellent leader in a tough environment”.
“I was as shocked as many were in the room that he made that decision. I have great respect for Ted Baillieu,” he said.
Mr Ramsay said the change in leadership would not affect funding announcements already promised to Ballarat. Mr Ramsay also expressed his hope that Ballarat would get a better deal under the incoming premier.
“I am hopeful that in the May budget we will see more invested into Ballarat and the region,” he said.
Dr Napthine was aware of how important initiatives such as the Western Link road were to the region, according to Mr Ramsay.
“He knows that it’s an important linkage to the western growth corridor and the industrial and employment zone,” he said.