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TRIBUTE TO FRANK GREENSTEIN

Abalinx - Peter Adamis - 17 February 2015

Caption: Frank with his one of his protégés Greg Hannan

and Ross Fox at aTony Abbott Fund Raising Dinner

ONE SMALL STEP FOR FRANK GREENSTEIN ONE GIANT LEAP FORWARD FOR THE VICTORIAN LIBERAL PARTY

Conservative philosophy. Seldom do we as conservatives pay tribute to members who have contributed much of their time effort and money towards reaching out to the conservative elements within the Liberal party. Frank Greenstein deserves more than just a passing mention in the annals of Victorian Liberal Party politics. This small article encapsulated by images is but a small tribute to a member who has spent much of his time in pursuing the conservative philosophy amidst an ocean of chaotic political madness. Nicknames. In his heyday he was known by various terms of endearment throughout the Liberal Party including Uncle Frank and the Santa Clause of the Liberal Party. Many a Liberal candidate would make the trek to his cake shop near Malvern Station seeking his friendship and political support. Unfailingly and always very generously delivered support to those who came to his door. Such was the calibre of the man. To others he was nicknamed the "Warthog" or the "Whisperer" because of his ability to bring about the downfall of his political opponents. He is also known for his passive aggressive political fighting style which is in direct contrast to his disarming looks and charm when you first meet him.

State Council. This tribute comes none too soon as with the recent release of the list of candidates who have nominated for elections at Liberal Party State Council. It comes confirmation without fanfare that Metropolitan Male Vice-President Frank Greenstein, has decided to retire from politics. But has Frank really retired, that is the question on ever ones lips. This author is of the belief that Frank will continue being behind the scenes advising, mentoring, pulling the strings and ensuring that resources are in place to meet any challenges being faced Superior campaigning techniques. Having said this one must reflect on his successful longevity and rise within the political infrastructure. Many who are trying to climb the political find that they are no match for Frank Greenstein's superior campaigning methodologies? In other words, Frank is skilled and well acquainted with advanced technology techniques, enabling him to marshal his forces at crucial moments and gain the advantage. These campaigning techniques have always fascinated and confounded his opponents, who are often at the receiving end of Franks well planned operations.

"Frank discussions". This author amongst other supporters of the conservative cause welcomes Frank Greenstein courageous step in demonstrating to all and asunder that it is time for a transition of cultural and generational reforms that will revitalise the Liberal party Victorian Division. This display of philosophical and mature decision was made after a "frank discussion" with the incoming and unopposed Liberal Party President and Power Broker, Michael Kroger. Caption: Michael Kroger in his new role as the incoming Liberal party President. Michael Kroger has galvanised the Liberal Party in Victoria as a result of his putting his hat in the ring after an absence of almost 25 years. With the political wisdom of years behind him, Michael Kroger is seeking to put an end to factional battles and factions alike by appealing to their political beliefs and aspirations. Peace and Harmony and let's work together to bring about a Matthew Guy as premier at the next State election. In addition it would appear that Michael Kroger is

seeking to lay the foundations to revitalise the Victorian Division to return to the heady days where it once was considered the Jewell in the crown. As one insider once said, "There is only one Michael Kroger" and one could fathom a guess that the Liberal Party in Victoria is about to become a political force in Australian politics yet once again. Gone with be the recalcitrants and gone will be the sycophants who have for far too long brought the Liberal party into disarray and disunity.

Political campaigner. A onetime political king maker, Frank Greenstein mentored and promoted the careers of several young people, (most if not all of them young men and women). In the last state election, he was particularly motivated by the campaign to see Samli Ozturk elected to Yan Yean. The political wisdom of aggressively campaigning in Yan Yean unfortunately did not occur despite the vast sums and publicity in promoting the Liberal Party in the electorate. Suffice to say, despite the apparent public campaign errors, one can hardly blame Frank Greenstein for the loss. Frank Greenstein worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure a victory for the candidate Samli Ozturk.

Caption: Samli Ozturk, Tony Snell, Frank Greenstein

and Goldy Brar at the Annual Multicultural Dinner. Multicultural and Diverse Communities. He worked tirelessly for the multicultural cause and was pivotal in swinging large numbers of votes in many new and emerging migrant communities in safe Labor seats away from the Labor Party and towards the Liberal Party. Frank Greenstein's political connections with Victorias diverse multicultural communities is well known and as a result o his personal influence and behind the scenes work has been instrumental in attracting much funds towards the Liberal party philosophy and cause. Others such as Jeff Kennett, David Kemp, Inga Puelich, Nicholas Kotsiras and Senator Scott Ryan may have laid the foundations and reforms for attracting diverse communities to the Liberal Party; none can surpass the good work of Frank Greenstein. Frank will be a hard act to follow and one hopes that his protege Greg Hannan can build upon his good work. Had Samli Ozturk, (another of Frank Greenstein's protege), won the much campaigned Yan Yean electorate, he would have made a fine Multicultural Minister.

Caption: Senator Mitch Fifield, Frank Greenstein, Hon Peter Costello and Senator Scott Ryan. Senate and State Election victories. Frank Greenstein's tireless work has not gone unrecognised at the Federal and state levels as he had much to do with the election of two senate spots at the last Federal Election, Senators Mitch Fifield and Scott Ryan with one seat in each of the Northern and Western Metropolitan regions at the last state election.

Young Liberals. This good work helped maintain the Liberal Party’s strong representation assisting the David Kemp reforms and helping the Liberal Party win these vital seats. Without Frank's intervention and attracting diverse multicultural support as well as the young Liberals it is doubtful that these seats would have been won. It is of interest to note that the young Liberals within the Victorian division who answered the call to arms during election periods can well reflect upon their support to Frank and the long hours spent standing giving out how to vote cards and other political paraphernalia.

Caption: Frank Greenstein young Liberal

supporters during the Greg Crewther campaign.

The Young Liberals have learnt much from Frank Greenstein and may they never forget his influence and lessons thrust upon them during those hectic days of campaigning. Whether the Young Liberals follow in his footsteps is a matter for history to judge and it will depend heavily upon the manner in which Frank Greenstein influenced them towards a conservative Liberal philosophy. The images depicting Frank with the young Liberals describe his association with them rather than a thousand words strung together.

Caption: Samli Ozturk and Senator Scott Ryan staff of celebrate Samli’s birthday in the Senator’s office with a birthday cake delivered personally by Frank Greenstein.

Caption: Frank Greenstein with Craig Ondarchie, Scott Ryan & Mitch Fifield

and members of the Australian Indian community

Political mentor. Despite the fact that he will no longer remain active in a leadership role in the party, political staffers will be hoping that he maintains his practice of delivering cakes to MPs office to celebrate staff birthdays and that he continues in his role as a mentor, friend and wise counsel in internal Liberal elections, well into the future. The future. As the old saying goes, you can't keep a good man down for too long and if this author knows Frank, he is sure to bounce back in assisting the new Administrative team to bring about the necessary reforms to assist in the return of a Liberal Government in Victoria under the leadership of Michael Kroger and aspiring Premier Matthew Guy. The following images are but a small visual tribute to an individual who has embraced Australian values and Liberal Party conservative values. The images are also a testament to Frank and his numerous supporters depicted alongside him. This author wishes him well.

Peter Adamis is a Journalist/Commentator and writer. He is a retired Australian military serviceman and an Industry organisational & Occupational (OHS) & Training Consultant whose interests are within the parameters of domestic and international political spectrum. He is an avid blogger and contributes to domestic and international community news media outlets as well as to local and Ethnic News. He holds a Bachelor of Adult Learning & Development (Monash), Grad Dip Occupational Health & Safety, (Monash), Dip. Training & Assessment, Dip Public Administration, and Dip Frontline Management. Contact via Email: abalinx@netspace.net.au or via Mobile: 0409965538

GALLERY TRIBUTE TO FRANK GREENSTEIN

Frank Greenstein at Australia Day Celebrations Australia Day Dialogue Forum, with Senator Scott Ryan,

Craig Ondarchie MLC, John Nguyen, & Shilpa Hegde

Australian Light Foundation Iftar Dinner with State

President Tony Snell, Andrew Warren Elsberry Batman Campaign Launch in Preston,

with candidate George Souris & supporters

Bon Nguyen, President Vietnamese Ass of Victoria,

Elizabeth Miller MP , & Ramon Frederico Building a better Victoria - 2014 State election

Fran Bailey, Samli Ozturk, Joshua Morris, Scott

Pearce, Fiona Ogilvy-O'Donnell, with Joshua Morris, Fran Bailey, Frank Greenstein and Scott Pearce

Fred Ackerman, Minister Martin Dixon, Peter McWilliam & Ted Hatzakortzian

Hon Peter Costello Andrea Coote

and Frank Greenstein Samli Ozturk, Frank Greenstein, Peter McWilliam, Vasan

Sirinivasan, Senator Scott Ryan & Australian Indian Community

Margaret Kirby's special

birthday party on her "OBE" Kaye Farrow special birthday party cake

Malcolm Turnbull supporting

Sam Ozturk for Yan Yean Frank Greenstein with Jeff Kennett and John Nguyen

candidate for Chisholm

On the Campaign Trail supporting

Victorian Liberal candidates Palawan reunion dinner with Minister Bill Shorten , Ramon

Frederico & Virginia Kalong, Consul for the Philippines

At Peter Costello Dinner, Frank Greenstein, Caroline

Elliott, Scott Pearce and Ross Fox At Peter Reith function in Northcote with Scott Pearce and Samli Ozturk

Samantha McIntosh, Noni Bartlett &

Norma Wells at Australia Day Function Sarah Henderson MP, Adam McKee, Simon Breheny,

Aaron Lane, Matthew Lesh at State Council

Senator Mitch Fifield, Frank Greenstein,

Hon Peter Costello and Senator Scott Ryan Senator Mitch Fifield, former Minister for Disabilities

& Aged Care, Craig Ondarchie , Samli Ozturk, Phil Barresi, Frank Greenstein and Adam McKee

Senator Scott Ryan, Elizabeth Miller

and Frank Greenstein Treasury Place with James Paterson, Matthew Lesh,

Lydia Paterson, Evan Mulholland and Senator Mitch Fifield

Young Liberals Ball with Evan Mulholland,

Senator Mitch Fifield & Gideon Rozner Yan Yean Campaign Launch

with candidate Samli Ozturk and guests

Western Metro Trivia Night at 104 with Kaye Farrow and

Caroline Elliott, Frank Greenstein, Senator Scott Ryan and other Liberals