Backroom Baz: Albo holding firm on Jacinta Allan ban at press events
When Anthony Albanese was making his first tilt for The Lodge, he couldn’t get enough of his old housemate Daniel Andrews. But fast forward three years, and the same can’t be said for current Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan.
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When Anthony Albanese was making his first tilt for The Lodge, he couldn’t get enough of his old housemate Daniel Andrews. Who can forget the infamous barbecue snap of the pair in late 2021 on the eve of the federal election campaign and at a time when the then Premier was crushing the polls.
Fast forward three years and his successor Jacinta Allan is tanking in the polls, has a diabolic satisfaction rating as Premier and all of a sudden Albo is nowhere to be seen.
Despite spending time in Melbourne this week the PM kept a wide berth from Allan, despite the pair on Wednesday each holding press conferences at schools at the exact same time.
Baz is told the avoidance is very deliberate, with an edict by both Albo’s office and federal Labor that Allan not attend any campaign event because of her unpopularity. Sources say some very robust discussions have been had over the decision, but Albo is holding firm for now.
On the other side of the political divide federal Opposition Leader Peter Dutton also failed to be seen with his Victorian counterpart, Brad Battin, despite campaigning in Battin’s electorate this week.
Party sources blamed scheduling issues and parliamentary duties. Likely story.
Liberal Party president feeling the heat ahead of state election
Victorian Liberal Party president Phil Davis made a relatively rare appearance at parliament this week, addressing the troops in a closed door party room meeting.
Almost 18 months out from the state election and sources say Davis is feeling the heat of a party that’s factionalism is continuing to threaten stability as the conservatives and the moderates jostle in their ongoing power struggle.
With the party’s annual state conference coming up in June, some conservatives are eyeing a potential clean sweep of the powerful administrative committee which would fundamentally change the direction of the party. Until then Davis, a moderate, had some home truths for Victorian MPs, which rubbed some up the wrong way. High among his concerns was a lack of women in the party.
Party Room sources said he also bemoaned an over reliance on democracy within the ranks he said was stifling party progression.
Pint-sized politico makes a name for herself
Jeff’s got a shed, Bolte a bridge, Cain has an arena, and Hamer’s got a hall. When it comes to naming Victorian landmarks we’ve a long tradition of looking to Premiers for inspiration. Now, one pint sized politico has leapfrogged former recent premiers Brumby, Napthine, Baillieu, Bracks and Andrews for naming rights.
Charlotte Marshall made headlines in 2003 when, aged just 11 days, she was the first “stranger” to be permitted on the floor of the Legislative Assembly during sitting times. Her mum – former Olympic skier turned MP Kirstie Marshall – was asked to leave parliament when she began nursing baby Charlotte, prompting a fierce public debate.
Two decades on and babies are now a permanent fixture at parliament, so much so a new childcare centre has been set up on site. Its name? Charlotte’s Room.
How times have changed, babies are now a regular fixture in the chamber. This week Warrandyte MP Nicole Werner brought her baby Bobby in, who even got a go in the Speaker’s chair.
Another Opposition MP jets out of town
Ay caramba, does the party ever stop for Opposition MPs? Hot off the heels of captain Brad Battin’s cruisey little Queensland getaway, Baz is told Nationals MP Tim McCurdy jetted off to Mexico.
Now, there’s no crime in that. But Baz is told the Ovens Valley MP missed a sitting week for the little fiesta with new Nationals leader Danny O’Brien of the view his predecessor Peter Walsh had signed off on the trip.
Only thing is, sources say Walshy had no idea about it. It’s rare for Nats MPs to make any internal grumblings public, so it’s safe to say McCurdy’s little getaway was deemed no bueno by some.
Debt maker yet to pay up on losing bet
Victoria’s former money man and debt maker Tim Pallas had a hard time keeping our money in check.
Turns out he’s not much better at it in private. Baz is told Pallas lost a bet with colleague Danny O’Brien who waged $100 on the fact the former Treasurer would exit politics ahead of the 2026 election.
O’Brien won, but Baz understands Pallas is yet to honour the debt. Any wonder Victoria’s in the financial mess it is, with Tim throwing money away like that on what should have been a sure bet.
Overheard
“James Copsey, who’s at KPMG, is becoming a wonderful media monitor for us both of Australian media on the election.” Former Napthine Government staffer gets a shout out in the one of the world’s most popular political podcasts, The Rest is Politics.
Guess who
Which party leader was booted from Question Time on their birthday this week?
Originally published as Backroom Baz: Albo holding firm on Jacinta Allan ban at press events
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