IBAC hearings could see more MPs fall on their swords

The politics corruption inquiry kicks off again with whispers at least three MPs are at risk of being forced into an early retirement.

After an extended break, IBAC returns this week to continue its probe into ALP branch stacking.

Already Labor MP Luke Donnellan fallen on his sword, and Baz is wondering how many more could follow.

Sources close to the investigation suggest that any MP called to testify would almost certainly be snookered into a career-ending line of questioning, with at least three MPs at obvious risk of an early retirement.

BABY KISSING KICKS OFF

Make no mistake about it, we are well and truly in campaign mode.

Anyone doubting the fact the 2022 election campaign is underway need look no further than Premier Daniel Andrews kicking things off with a baby cuddling photo op last week.

Many had questioned the forced smiles and friendlier than usual disposition at press conferences in the lead up to the baby pic, but when Andrews and his wife joined a group of mothers for a mothers club meeting to celebrate the end of lockdown they left no doubt in anyone’s mind: it’s election showtime. Only 391 days to go.

Daniel Andrews has already notched up his first baby kissing event. Picture: Getty Images

SCOMO’S SOOSHI MANGO

It’s election time in Canberra too, clearly.

At least that’s the only conclusion that can be drawn from Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s surprise seven minute appearance with popular ethnic comedy troupe Sooshi Mango.

In an apparent play to appeal to Labor’s heartland, Morrison copped a royal roasting from the trio, but took it in his stride.

Baz is told the Prime Minister’s team approached the comedy group, rather than the other way around, in a sign that ScoMo obviously thinks there’s some ground to be made up in appealing to Australia’s ethnic mums and dads.

Sooshi Mango, made up of brothers Joe and Carlo Salanitri and their friend Andrew Manfre.

MEDDICK’S DOG ACT

There’s been a lot of talk this week about Dan’s three favourite crossbenchers.

And the likes of Fiona Patten, Sam Ratnam and Andy Meddick weren’t at all shy about talking up their support for the Premier’s pandemic power grab.

But Baz was left shaking his head when Animal Justice’s main man rocked up to parliament clutching a chihuahua – of all things.

Baz’s spies are told the stunt was all part of a grand push to make parliament more pet friendly.

The mind boggles as to whether Meddick will be granted his wish in return for a key vote to give Dan all the power.

Baz just can’t understand it.

More angry little ankle biters around the halls? No chance. Baz objects.

Andy Meddick with the dog at parliament. Picture: Getty Images

REBELS HIT THE DANCEFLOOR

Upper house rebels with a cause David Limbrick, Tim Quilty and Catherine Cumming have been suspended from parliament, and their offices, but that hasn’t stopped them working.

The gang of three set up camp in a city nightclub this week, and dialled into parliament online.

Baz notes the lack of masks being worn by the members.

The members are claiming an exemption from the mask mandate because of a rule that allows the face rugs to be removed while in front of broadcasting equipment.

Baz reckons that’s a stretch!

The rebels in the red room.

WHERE TO FOR MARTY?

Spare a thought for Major Events Minister Martin Pakula, it’s not everyday that a Cabinet Minister comes to work to hear confirmation his electorate has been abolished!

Speculation is raging about what new seat boundaries released on Thursday mean ahead of next year’s state election.

It’s unclear where Pakula will go but Baz understands efforts are underway to keep him in the lower house.

A seat swap could be on the cards while others have suggested more spots could quickly open up in the southeast as MPs who have been mentioned by IBAC make calls on their future. There’s also a lot of people lining up for the new western suburbs electorate of Laverton, including some people who already have seats of their own.

On current trends it could become the safest Labor seat in Victoria.

ED HEADS

He took many by surprise with his sudden retirement announcement, but there’s no question that Liberal backbencher Ed O’Donohue is actually leaving Spring St.

The former attorney general was spotted cleaning out his parliamentary office this week, and is expected to farewell Spring St sometime in December.

Whispers have reached Baz that O’Donohue will well and truly leave politics behind for the time being, and could return to the law.

GUESS WHO

Which former MP is rumoured to be eyeing a return to Spring St?

Originally published as IBAC hearings could see more MPs fall on their swords