Emily Chapman Laing
Berwick MP Brad Battin has been working out of local cafes and businesses as he struggles to find an office space.
With his old Officer-based office now outside of his electorate, the politician has been forced to look for a new place to set up.
“After the last election, the seat of Gembrook was abolished, and I nominated for the seat of Berwick,” Mr Battin said.
“My old office in Officer is in the new seat of Pakenham so I had to move.”
Mr Battin said it’s “unrealistic” for him to have an office outside of his electorate.
“It is disappointing having no office, I am elected to represent the people of Berwick, Clyde North, Beaconsfield, Upper Beaconsfield, Guys Hill and Harkaway,” he said.
“It is unrealistic for them to travel to the city to see me.
“Not just unrealistic, unfair, I am the only Lower House Liberal in the area, people rely on me working with them.”
Mr Battin said Parliament has reviewed six locations so far, with more inspections to come, but suitable spaces are limited by parliamentary regulations.
“The process is difficult to say the least,” Mr Battin said.
“There are many conditions to review like security, location, signage, lease arrangements etc.
“I believe it is a bit over the top with some conditions.”
Mr Battin doesn’t have an ideal location in mind for his new office, but he has toyed with the idea of using his office location as another way to serve his location.
“It is difficult to say where I would like to be in the electorate, but access to public transport is important so all people can get to and from the office,” he said.
“Clyde North would be great with such a new community, and then I can experience the ridiculous situation with mobile phone reception – maybe then the Government will understand.”
Mr Battin said he has had “many reactions” from locals who have witnessed his temporary work spaces in local businesses and cafes.
While some have said it’s great to see Mr Battin “out and available for people”, others are less cordial about Mr Battin “sitting in cafes all day”.
“Most are happy to see you around the area supporting small business, especially if I am shouting the latte,” Mr Battin said.
“I love the chats with people, and hearing what is really happening.
“Many people speak freely over a morning coffee and more freely before their first coffee.”
However despite the face time with his constituents, Mr Battin said other aspects of his job as a politician become “really difficult” without a permanent set up.
“It is really difficult to get admin work done, getting an internet connection is more difficult and mobile reception in Clyde North is frustrating at best,” he said.
“The most difficult part is my staff are not in one location, and our role relies on communication and working together with the community to deliver.
“We are still delivering, but it is more difficult.”
Day-to-day work life for Mr Battin can mean a lot of moving around, as he travels from cafes to community centres for meetings and admin work.
“I can’t thank enough the Pine Grove Hotel, Beaconsfield Football Club, Mana Gum Community Centre and Brentwood Community Neighbourhood House for letting me use some space,” he said.
Still, by Friday things are looking up as his meetings take “the real pub-test”.
“The advantage of a pub for the Friday meetings is it can often end in a cold beer with the locals, and again after a beer they truly speak freely,” Mr Battin said.
