The pull of state

Former Victorian Liberal Treasury spokesman Robert Dean is understandably disappointed with the way he bowed out of politics in 2002 but is enjoying the latest stage of his life.
The Victorian Opposition Leader at the time, Robert Doyle, fired Dr Dean just two weeks before that year’s State Election, after it was revealed that the latter was not enrolled in the Gembrook electorate in which he was to be standing.
“I was shattered, emotionally shattered. My career was shattered and my confidence was shattered,” he reflected.
“It’s taken probably a year or two to feel that I’m over it. I really put my heart and soul into the job and that was probably part of the trouble – trying to do too many things.”
At the time, it was revealed in the press that he was living in Hawthorn rather than at his listed address in Berwick but Dr Dean argues that all the circumstances were not reported.
“I was building a new house. What didn’t come out was that I had purchased eight acres in Gembrook,” he said.
“In the end, when I lost my income, I had to get rid of it at a loss of $20,000. It was all part of a terrible time in November 2002.
“I always felt disappointed that there were people in Berwick and surrounds that knew I had made that investment and all people could talk about was whether I was living in my electorate.”
Despite his acrimonious exit, Dr Dean does not regret his extended stint in politics and hopes that the residents of the Gembrook district remember all of the hard work that he put in.
“I feel I did a fair bit for Berwick, Narre Warren and surrounds, and I hope many will remember the energy I put into it,” he said.
“I faced three elections – all successful – and I really appreciated the finance, time and effort people gave to those campaigns.
“I’d like to thank them for their huge support and I’d also like them not to be swayed in any way by the rubbish that was talked at the time.”
Dr Dean returned to the bar to practise commercial and administrative law in early 2003 – the law had been his profession for a decade before he became a politician. He now has his own chambers.
“It is less stressful, stress as in a different form, as in if you’re in a trial it can be quite stressful, but in between it can be less stressful,” he said. “I have a lovely view of the bay and across the Dandenongs from my 27th floor chambers. I could probably see Berwick from them!”
His new life is a far cry from his political days and he delights in the fact that he has spare time on the weekends.
“I have time on the weekends now, which I never had before, and my wife (Helen) loves it,” Dr Dean said.
“I roller blade and I love driving to Birregurra (in southwest Victoria). I just do what people do when they live normal lives.
“I love reading. (My favourite is a) whole series by Dick Francis. All of his books are in some way to do with horses; he writes so beautifully. I have about 30 of his books.”
He still has a strong interest in politics but prefers to keep his views to a minimum nowadays.
“Once it’s in your blood, it is very hard to get rid of. I don’t spend much time communicating my views to the public or other politicians now.”
However, he does have a theory on current Victorian Opposition Leader Ted Baillieu’s lack of success in last month’s State Election.
“He’s tall, good looking, intelligent, relaxed, a cool kind of chap, and a good personality for the job. I thought he’d pick up more seats,” Dr Dean said.
“He suffered from two things. Firstly, in State Parliaments these days you have to dynamite them out; they don’t fall off a perch any more.
“Secondly, there is a long history of the Australian electorate wanting people to be in for more than three to six months to get the top job – as (Kevin) Rudd may find out.”
He looks back fondly on what he achieved during his political career and he hopes others feel the same. “I am still proud of my record. There was more money in the Berwick electorate than in any time in the history of the state when I was involved. I enjoyed the communications with the local people and bringing people together to do important jobs for the community.”
Ironically, Dr Dean believes he would be a better politician now after what he has experienced.
“It changed my life. It has made me a more tolerant person in dealing with different problems and attitudes,” he said.
“It teaches you about life and I have become a better person but I would have given anything not to leave in that way.
“It is sad that that’s what happened, very sad.
“I joined the Berwick Young Liberals when I was 16 years old and I fought hard for the party. Funny enough, I think I’d be a better politician now.”
He remains a regular visitor to the area his mother lives in Harkaway and his sister is a doctor at the Berwick Medical Centre.
“I still drive around Pakenham Upper and Beaconsfield. It’s still the best place in the world,” Dr Dean said.
“I wish everybody there extremely well and wish I was able to continue some of the things I started off.”
It is clear that he still has a passion for his former occupation and he is at pains to maintain his reputation. “It’s great to be involved in trying to make things work better. It’s called public service,” he said.
“I get a kick out of doing it; being close to the engine rather than I suppose sitting on the bow painting the balustrade.
“I hope they remember me from how they thought before that incident. (I’d like to be remembered) as someone who was always energetic and always tried very hard and who had an innovative approach to things.
“I hope they regard me as an honest and straightforward person, who just tried to do too much.”