Baillieu gives Brumby a sincere farewell

In one way it wasn't so strange that Victoria's new premier Ted Baillieu should
praise his predecessor John Brumby as lavishly as he did on Tuesday.
The pair have known each other for 45 years, they were at school together and they
share the same occupation.
But on another level, they are sworn enemies.
In his first public appearance as premier, Mr Baillieu went out of his way to give
credit and thanks to Mr Brumby who stepped aside on Monday.
"John has served this state at the highest levels of public office for 11 years and
his is a remarkable legacy," Mr Baillieu said.
"Anyone who has held high office in this state knows the sacrifices that are
required to do so.
"John's made those sacrifices and by any measure ... has been an extraordinary
contributor to our state.
"I want to acknowledge that and I want to acknowledge his service as a member of
parliament, as opposition leader, as treasurer and as premier and he has good call
to be proud.
"I respect his contribution and I will honour his contribution."
Mr Baillieu also told how he had lent Mr Brumby a jacket, albeit oversized, when he
needed one to do a TV interview during Melbourne's 2008 bushfires.
"You might have thought he looked a bit skinny," Mr Baillieu said.
The differences between Victoria's 45th and 46th premiers are apparent in more than
just politics and their physical stature.
Both were in the same year at Melbourne Grammar where the backgrounds and attitudes
of the two young men are hinted at by their selection of sporting interests.
The Baillieu list included rowing and rugby, Mr Brumby's had cricket and Aussie
Rules football.
The both graduated to Melbourne University where Mr Baillieu studied architecture
and Mr Brumby commerce, later completing a Diploma of Education.
Mr Baillieu duly worked as an architect and also became a director of his family's
real estate firm Baillieu Knight Frank.
After completing his studies, Mr Brumby became a schoolteacher, moving into politics
in 1983 as the federal member for Bendigo.
In a less-than-friendly approach, the Brumby government attacked Mr Baillieu
relentlessly, describing him as a "Toorak Toff" and pointing to his wealth and
privileged background as a liability for a leader.
Mr Baillieu's family is undoubtedly wealthy, the latest BRW Rich List assessing its
worth at $453 million.
He is also the third cousin of the third Baron Baillieu of Sefton and his family has
links with Melbourne's iconic Myer clan.
Despite Labor's allegations, Mr Baillieu has never publicly traded on his family
ties or his wealth.
The obvious sincerity in his words on Tuesday suggest he never would.