By Rowan Forster
If anybody is equipped to keep the region’s law and order under control, it is Gembrook MP Brad Battin.
After growing up in Harkaway and attending Berwick Secondary College, the Shadow Emergency Services Minister took up positions in hospitality and customer service.
However, he eventually decided he wanted to make a difference and protect the community.
In 2001, Mr Battin joined Victoria Police and was posted to Dandenong Station.
He would undertake a Diploma in Public Safety and later helped steer Operation Newstart South East, a program which reconnects disengaged youth with the education system.
Mr Battin proceeded to work in the liquor licensing wing of Victoria Police, before he decided to take the helm at a Baker’s Delight store.
Just several years later, in 2010, he was elected Member for Gembrook.
He has held that position since.
The 42-year-old believes his experience with the police force has prepared him to tackle Victoria’s crime epidemic.
“I’m sick and tired of seeing the violent crime that is taking place in our community,” he said.
“We need to have a whole of government model so we can prevent and reduce crime.
“I’ve got an understanding of the networks and programs to protect the local community that I’ve loved and been brought up in.”
However, Mr Battin is also known to show his compassionate side.
One of his proudest achievements was spearheading a lifesaving fundraiser for Beaconsfield netballer Ciara Nelson, who had been diagnosed with a rare, malignant brain tumour.
Needing an extra $30,000 in 30 days to secure an appointment with a world renowned surgeon, Mr Battin’s fundraising campaign raised $40,000 in the month for Ciara’s family.
She subsequently was able to undergo the procedure and to this day is cancer free.
“We worked with our connections to raise money for her, so she could get surgery up in Sydney,” he said.
“A lot of people said she wouldn’t survive – yet on Election Day she’ll be walking the streets with me, cancer-free.”
The Shadow Emergency Services Minister is running against university student Amy Gregorovich, representing the Greens, and Labor candidate Michael Galea.
He said the three issues he wants to address are the cost of living, crime and congestion.
“People are struggling with power bills, struggling to make ends meet, and that is something we need to address,” he said.
“Congestion is obviously another issue – and not just the Monash, but the surrounding urban roads.”
His experience with Victoria Police prompted Mr Battin to first tackle politics.
“I was very keen to be in a position where I’d have a better say, a chance to create change,” he said.
“I’ve got a strong connection with our community, I’m born and bred here and I care.”
Mr Battin has also been an active member of the community, having served as a fundraiser for the Fred Hollows Foundation, a coach for the Berwick Junior Football Club and has raised funds for Breast Cancer Network Australia.
He remains a Victorian Fundraising Committee Member of the Fred Hollows Foundation.
The Gembrook electorate takes in Avonsleigh, Clematis, Beaconsfield and parts of Berwick, Emerald and Pakenham.
At the 2014 state election, Brad Battin received 54.6 per cent of first preference votes, ahead of ALP candidate Collin Ross’s 30.6 per cent.
Some of Mr Battin and the State Opposition’s marquee commitments include:
– Three level crossing removals at McGregor Road, Main Street and Racecourse Road using a rail-under-road solution.
– Duplication of McGregor Road, including new ramps at the Pakenham Bypass.
– Removal of the roundabout at the intersection of Racecourse Road and Bald Hill Road by grade separation.
– Providing $1.1 million for a Health and Wellbeing Centre at Berwick College.
– More than $5 million to rebuild Emerald Secondary College and create a STEM Centre.
– CCTV, at least 100 parking spaces, new shelter and toilets for Beaconsfield Station.
