NEPEAN MP Chris Brayne has lost his licence for three months after being caught by police driving at 108kph in an 80kph zone.
Mr Brayne had just turned 25 when he became the state’s youngest serving MP when elected last November.
His win was hailed as a major victory for Labor which gained a valuable foothold on the Liberal-dominated Mornington Peninsula.
Nepean had been held for 14 years by former minister Martin Dixon, whose former office manager Russell Joseph was expected to easily win the seat. Sportsbet offered $16 for a Labor win and $1.01 for the Liberals.
The loss of Mr Brayne’s licence could be embarrassing for the Labor government which is being pressured by Mornington Peninsula Shire to lower speed limits across the peninsula which has witnessed a record 14 roads deaths so far this year.
Mr Brayne took to Facebook the morning after being booked, saying he was not drunk or had been taking drugs.
“I am deeply sorry. Road safety is a collective responsibility and I have let my community and colleagues down,” Mr Brayne posted on Facebook.
“I have the utmost respect for Victoria Police and I thank those members who enforce road safety every day.
“There are no excuses for dangerous lapses in concentration on our roads, and I take full responsibility for my actions.
“As a Member of Parliament, I believe in setting a positive example for my community – especially for young people. I will continue to work hard for my community every single day.”
Mr Brayne did not return a call from The News.
First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 26 November 2019
