After 12 years in Victoria’s Parliament, Jeff Bourman MP has accumulated plenty of stories about the politics, personalities, wins and frustrations of Spring Street.
In the latest episode of the SSAA Victoria podcast, Jeff joins us for a wide-ranging conversation reflecting on more than a decade representing shooters, hunters and regional Victorians in the Legislative Council.
First elected in 2014, Jeff talks candidly about what he has learned over three terms in Parliament, his dealings with governments, the opposition, and other crossbenchers, and the realities of trying to influence policy from outside the major parties.
The conversation covers the issues that have defined much of his parliamentary career, including firearms legislation, hunting and public land access, as well as some of the characters and political battles encountered along the way.
As Jeff explains, political disagreement does not always need to become personal. He discusses maintaining relationships with people on the other side of an argument while remaining prepared to strongly disagree with them when the interests of shooters and hunters are at stake.
But 12 Years in the Red Morgue is not a retirement interview.
Jeff intends to contest the November State Election and continue his parliamentary career. Changes to Victoria’s Upper House voting system mean the path back to Spring Street is considerably different this time around and, by Jeff’s own assessment, he has an Everest-sized mountain to climb.
Whatever happens next, 12 years in Parliament provides plenty to reflect on.
🎙️ 12 Years in the Red Morgue: Spring St According to Jeff Bourman is available now on the SSAA Victoria YouTube channel, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and all good podcasting apps.