Backroom Baz: Leaked tape of partyroom meeting has Libs pointing fingers

Fingers are pointing in all directions at the culprit of a Liberal partyroom recording that highlighted their ongoing internal divisions.

There have been some nervous Nellies around Spring St since a covert recording of an opposition partyroom meeting was leaked to the media.

The leak has highlighted the ongoing division in the party, which shows no signs of easing, and has become deeper in the fallout of Tim Smith’s drink-drive crash.

In the immediate aftermath of the leak, certain MPs were all too quick to point the finger at those connected to O’Brien’s camp.

And of course those in O’Brien’s camp were very keen to point the finger back at supporters of Matthew Guy.

Of course only one of them can be right.

Some MPs have been very keen to see the end of any probing into the leak, which is unlikely to be repeated with the return of in person party room meetings this week.

Still, it reminds Baz of the classic Shakespeare line about one who doth protest too much.

As one source suggested, “it seems perhaps that those willing to live by the sword may not be as willing to die by it”.

Tim Smith’s drink-driving has only served to increase internal tensions. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

SCOMO’S EGGS NOT ON LABOR MENU

Eyebrows were raised this week after state government MPs appeared to snub Prime Minister Scott Morrison, who was the guest of honour at a breakfast function hosted by the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Baz is told numerous invites were sent to Spring Street’s most powerful, but it was a strong no in response, with none heeding the 7am call to hear the PM speak.

Former premiers Ted Baillieu and Jeff Kennett were in attendance, as was Lord Mayor Sally Capp, business leaders and school students.

Scott Morrison and Paul Guerra at the breakfast.

As one source told Baz “why would any state Labor MP turn up when it clearly wasn’t all about them?” Ouch!

Still it didn’t dampen the spirits of VECCI boss and MC Paul Guerra, who couldn’t wipe the smile off his face as 450 people shuffled into the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre for the biggest conference since the beginning of the pandemic.

Although Baz suspects some hurt feelings after Morrison failed to pronounce his name properly. Poor form, if invited to speak at an event, not to know the name of the host.

PETER WALSH

Rumours that Nationals leader, and deputy opposition leader, Peter Walsh was stepping away from politics have been greatly exaggerated, Baz is assured.

Word swept Spring Street this week that Walshy was on the way out and would not contest the 2022 election paving the way for deputy Steph Ryan to take over the top job.

The move would have given Ryan a far greater media profile as deputy opposition leader, and quelled talk of female under-representation on the opposition benches.

Alas, Baz is assured the rumour was nothing more than scuttlebutt, with Walsh himself denying any suggestion he wouldn’t fight next year’s election.

As Baz always says: watch this space.

Victorian Nationals leader Peter Walsh.

PREMIER GOLF ANGER

If anyone likes swinging a golf club more than Baz, it’s Daniel Andrews.

But he’s going to find it increasingly difficult to make a four if he keeps upsetting fellow golfers.

First he banned the game, then he took away our toilets!

Now, word has reached Baz that the Premier caused quite the upset recently at Kingston Heath when he and the Club captain played a round. What upset the locals?

Well, Baz is told the “stampede” of security detail in tow left them less than impressed.

Hope they didn’t walk on the green!

IBAC’S A ROUGH RIDE

When working as a lawyer for IBAC, a bit of rough and tumble is probably expected.

Death threats, angry witnesses and difficult situations would, sadly, just be part of the job of tackling corruption.

But Chris Carr SC, who is assisting the commission with their branch stacking probe, has found an even greater foe in his bicycle.

The lawyer fronted IBAC last week sporting nasty injuries to his chin and nose.

“I apologise for my appearance. I’m not as skilful on a bicycle as I thought I was, so please don’t be distracted by my appearance today,” he said at the time.

Chris Carr, SC, fronted up for work despite taking a tumble from his bike.

MODS IN MORE TROUBLE?

The ALP’s moderates faction has taken a beating over the past month, with IBAC hearings exposing the intimate details of how those linked to Adem Somyurek have operated.

While they certainly aren’t Robinson Crusoe, the allegations aired have been so serious that there is now some agitating about a move to kick the faction out of the right-wing of Labor. How such a move would work is unclear, the faction certainly won’t be going to the left, and if it happened may be entirely for show.

Others have speculated that sitting MPs who survive the process may be amalgamated into other right groups to leave the tarnished brand behind.

Adem Somyurek at at IBAC last week.

CHIEF GETS CHADSTONE GIG

Any hopes of welcoming back former Liberal media boss and chief of staff Mitch Grayson have been dashed after he landed a new gig.

Grayson, who quit politics after opposition leader Matthew Guy wrestled the top job from Michael O’Brien, has been appointed Manager of Corporate Relations for retail management giant Vicinity Centres.

The move means he’ll swap Parliament House for Chadstone, DFO and the city’s Emporium shopping mecca.

Baz’s spies say he’d been sounded out about returning to politics, but the new gig has ended any speculation of a hopeful comeback.

GUESS WHO

Which crossbench MP is rumoured to be considering running as an ALP candidate in the 2022 election?

Originally published as Backroom Baz: Leaked tape of partyroom meeting has Libs pointing fingers