VICTORIA'S Police Minister and a senior Labor MP nicked a statue of a former Premier during late-night hi-jinks at Parliament House.
Minister Andre Haermeyer and MP Theo Theophanous removed the bust of Sir Rupert Hamer and replaced it with a naked statue of former Premier Jeff Kennett depicted as a prehistoric creature.
The bust of Sir Rupert, which the MPs paraded around the building, was found by a parliamentary attendant in a dark stairwell half an hour later.
Mr Haermeyer told the Herald Sun yesterday the incident was "a bit of fun" that "broke the monotony of a late-night session of Parliament".
"The members always take Sir Rupert because he is the easiest to carry," Mr Haermeyer said.
"The others are too heavy.
"One time last year the bust of Sir Rupert was sitting on the end of the members' bar."
Premier Steve Bracks described the antics as a "humorous, lighthearted prank" and said he could not see why anyone would take offence.
But Liberal MP Inga Peulich , who nabbed the partners in crime, called for a police investigation.
Ms Peulich said she noticed the bust missing from its pedestal outside the parliamentary dining room at about 9.20pm on Wednesday.
"At the same time, I saw the Police Minister and Mr Theophanous carrying matching pillowcases, with one of them obviously concealing a very large object, the bust," she said.
"He (Mr Haermeyer) took it away into the stairwell adjoining the corridor."
Ms Peulich's colleague, Geoff Leigh, reported the incident to a parliamentary services officer, who is a member of the Victoria Police, and an attendant began a search.
She called on the Premier to order a police investigation, and suggested Mr Haermeyer be charged with kidnapping.
Opposition Leader Denis Napthine said Mr Haermeyer should concentrate on reducing crime "rather than be involved in tomfoolery".
Mr Theophanous said the prank was designed to entertain a gathering of Liberal Party faithful at Parliament.
"I keep the statue of `Jefficus Manicopithecus' in my parliamentary office and I thought this group might enjoy a neanderthal representation of Jeff as a work of art," Mr Theophanous said.
Both MPs yesterday apologised to Parliament and later lamented the dour attitude of some of their parliamentary opponents.
"Some members have a sense of humour but unfortunately others don't," Mr Theophanous said.
Mr Haermeyer denied to the Herald Sun that alcohol fuelled their antics.
"Everybody has a glass over dinner, but it wasn't like that at all," he said.
"It was enjoyed by members from both sides of the House.
"It was so funny watching members do double-takes because the bust had been replaced."
Sir Rupert, who served as Victoria's premier from 1972 to 1981, told the Herald Sun he was not bothered by the incident.
"I don't take offence," he said. "It's hi-jinks, that's what happens."
LETTER TO THE EDITOR.
From: Terry Sedgwick, Strathmore.
As the sculptor of the statue "Jefficus Manicopithecus" I wish to establish that I took no part in the outrageous act of cultural vandalism perpetrated by Messrs. Theophanus and Haermeyer. At the time I was at an inner city hotel playing cards with some colorful racing identities.
In fact I wish to express my outrage at this alleged criminal act. This statue represents hours of my blood, sweat and tears. By this one reckless act Mr. Theophanous has utterly betrayed the sacred duty of care he undertook when he was given this sculpture.
Although it will be little compensation for my pain and suffering, I hope the Premier will deal with this outrage with the seriousness it surely deserves.
SEE THE MELBOURNE AGE REPORT ON THIS INCIDENT.
RETURN TO THE FERAL EYE SITE.
