Articles by Peter Mickelburough

Victorian police plan to use a network of hundreds of on-road cameras to spy on errant drivers, bikies, and suspected terrorists.

You struggle to find up to $30 a day for a parking spot in Melbourne's CBD, spare a thought for the state's pampered bureaucrats.The Napthine Government is spending a secret sum - estimated to be in excess of $30 million a year - so ministerial staff and senior public servants can drive to work.While most Melburnians cough up for parking or squeeze on to Melbourne's overcrowded public transport, the Herald Sun can reveal the Napthine Government is leasing almost 7000 car spaces, including more than 2000 in central Melbourne, with many believed to be costing $10,000-plus a year.Assistant Treasurer Gordon Rich-Phillips' office was unable to say how many of the parks used by ministerial staff are for operational vehicles or are provided as part of salary packages for public servants to drive into their offices.The Government leases 6897 carpark bays through Treasury's Shared Services Provider group"The Victorian Government, the largest employer in the state with more than 260,000 staff, have reduced the number of leased spaces by 4 per cent, fixing the waste and inefficiency of the previous Labor Government," his spokesman Andrew Drever said.But Mr Rich-Phillips' office refused to say how much taxpayers are paying, claiming even a total figure was a commercial secret.Opposition scrutiny of government spokesman Martin Pakula said: "Denis Napthine and the Liberals are addicted to secrecy when it comes to being honest with Victorian taxpayers about their expenses. Denis Napthine should release the global cost of parking for his ministerial staff and bureaucrats which Victorian taxpayers are paying for."According to documents obtained under Freedom of Information, the Government leases 6897 carpark bays through Treasury's Shared Services Provider group - 2121 at 26 CBD or CBD fringe sites, 3640 in 46 Melbourne suburbs and 1136 in 17 regional and rural cities or towns. A conservative estimate of $18 a day per CBD park, $12 for suburban spots and $6 for regional and rural parks would put the annual cost to taxpayers at more than $32 million.

SPACE and power are king when considering what makes a good snow mobile.  Sure, heated seats, good demisters, a great sound system and cup holders can make the trip less arduous.But these little luxuries are worthless if you can't fit the kids - or your mates - and all their snow gear and supplies as well.  So how does the Renault Koleos stack up?  Built on a Nissan X-Trail platform, the Renault soft roader is a solid performer and, apart from the ugly front grille, more attractive than the X-Trail.As a relatively nimble town runabout that heads to the snow once or twice a year it's a compromise of power and space that will appeal to many - particularly couples and young families looking for everything in one vehicle.  The rear luggage area is easy to access and will cope with a couple of large suitcases and two or three smaller bags (more if the rear seats are folded down).There are also storage bins under the front seats and rear floor and an extra large glove box.  A removable rear centre armrest means skis can be pushed through, although the model I tested is fitted with roof bars.  The cabin is snug, with seats that offer the perfect combination of support and comfort for a long trip.The scenery is also easy to enjoy, even from drivers seat, with panoramic windows all around and an electric sun roof to make the most of any winter sun.  Leg room in the back is a squeeze for larger adults on a long trip but, with airline-style rear seat trays, is perfect for kids and teens.The 2.5-litre premium petrol version I tested was underpowered for lengthy mountain climbs with a full load, but a turbo-charged two-litre diesel version is available and would provide more pulling grunt.  Safety features include six airbags, ESP, ABS, front and rear fog lamps, electronic park brake and parking sensors.The all-wheel drive 4x4 version tested also boasts hill-start assist and hill-descent control.  And then there are the little extras that help you arrive at the slopes fresh and ready to go...The list includes leather seats, sat-nav, Bose sound system, keyless entry, push button start, easy to use steering wheel controls, dual zone air conditioning, integrated side shade screens and even a wide angle child minder rear vision mirror.