Gazette

MP proves to be inaccessible

24th June 2009 10:40:48 AM

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GEMBROOK MP Tammy Lobato is on the move after Parliament closed her Berwick office to the public because of poor disability access.

Ms Lobato has reassured her constituents that she is still on the job, even though there is a prominent for-sale sign out front her office on Gloucester Avenue.

“The Parliament of Victoria has made the decision that the office must be closed, due to lack of disability access and the expiration of the existing lease,” she said.

“While the hunt continues for a new office, I am, along with my staff members, continuing the usual tasks in assisting the constituents of Gembrook.”

Ms Lobato is now using the Beaconsfield Community Complex as a place to meet members of the community, while Parliament determines a new office location.

Her electorate spans 2053 square kilometres, including the areas of Upper Yarra, Dandenong Ranges and the south-east growth corridor.

Ms Lobato had been operating out of Gloucester Avenue for the past six years, after relocating from an office in Main Street, Pakenham in 2003.

She was located briefly at the Main Street premises when she was first elected, with that part of Pakenham removed from her electorate shortly afterwards.

Ms Lobato said residents could still contact her at the Berwick office, despite not being able to visit.

Ms Lobato is hopeful Parliament will find her a new office soon. Meanwhile, constituents wishing to meet with Ms Lobato can make arrangements by phoning 9796 1987.