Rowe’s back

By Kelly Yates
Mr Rowe is hoping to make a return to Parliament in 2010 as he runs as the Liberal candidate for Narre Warren South.
The 58-year-old was the member for Cranbourne from 1992 to 2002, serving as parliamentary secretary to the Leader of the Opposition, on two drugs and crime prevention committees, and as the chairman to the Minister for Transport in government.
Prior to his State Government roles, he was a Cranbourne Shire councillor.
“I was honoured to serve the people of Cranbourne for 10 years,” he said.
“I achieved much in road funding, education and health but most of all I lived with the decisions of our government and fought hard both in government and opposition.”
Mr Rowe promises to be a “full-time MP” if elected in Narre Warren South.
“I will be there for everyone in the community,” he said.
Mr Rowe, who has lived in the area for 13 years, believes it’s important for state members to live in their electorates.
“By living and working in the area, I know what the main issues are,” he said.
Mr Rowe says Casey needs better roads, more police, safe and efficient public transport, and more ambulances, nurses and doctors in hospitals.
“I promise to fight for compensation for all Casey residents, road upgrades, more police and an Anti-Corruption Commission to look at all sectors of the public sector not just the police,” he said.
Mr Rowe is also a former police officer who received a Chief Commissioner’s Commendation for apprehending four offenders in a stolen vehicle.
He left the police force in 1974 due to an injury and pursued a career in finance and insurance, operating his own home finance business for 15 years.
“The two most satisfying jobs I’ve had have been working for Victoria Police and as the Member for Cranbourne,” he said.
“With both roles, I got to help people in need.”
Mr Rowe said when he’s not busy with family and community work, his interests are motor racing, horse riding and personal fitness.