Backroom Baz: What the truck?

Public Transport Minister Melissa Horne has repeatedly floundered when grilled by the state Opposition in parliament this year. But how has the appointment of a truck action group stalwart as her adviser gone down? Get Victoria’s hottest political gossip with Backroom Baz.

The Westgate tunnel boring machine has arrived at Appleton Dock on Caribbean Harmony. The boring machine has arrived in 100 pieces and will be assembled at a later date. Minister for Ports and FreightMinister for Public Transport, Melissa Horne speak to media. Picture: Sarah Matray

Public Transport Minister Melissa Horne has repeatedly floundered when grilled by the state Opposition in parliament this year.

Now Baz has learnt that Horne’s ports adviser, Samantha McArthur, was (until January, according to LinkedIn) the president of the Maribyrnong Truck Action Group.

Before the election, the MTAG attacked the Andrews Government over various policies, including breaking the longstanding promise that massive high-productivity trucks would “not be given last mile access to the Port through Yarraville”.

In the trucking and ports worlds the appointment of an MTAG stalwart to an advisory role is as popular as potholes on a freeway.

EVERYTHING IS FINE

A nasty case of nervous Nellies has struck Liberal members as they’ve watched senior federal MPs head for the door before the May election.

If you ask Baz, they should grab a stiff drink and calm down.

State Opposition Leader Michael O’Brien must agree, given he has sent out robocalls. “We need your support to take the fight up to Labor so we can secure a better future for all Victorians … let’s work together to
re-elect the Morrison Government, as well as hold to account the Andrews Labor Government.”

Yep, everything’s fine.

YOU HANG UP — NO, YOU HANG UP

Speaking of robocalls, former state Liberal MP Simon Ramsay — who resigned last year after he was busted drink-driving — was caught off guard when his phone rang this week.

On the other end of the line was his federal MP Sarah Henderson, who’s trying to dodge a near-certain defeat in the seat of Corangamite.

Simon Ramsay and Sarah Henderson.

She’s apparently so desperate for votes that she sent the automated message to Ramsay, who was her long-term partner until they split up in 2017.

Ramsay posted on Facebook that he was “very excited until I realised I couldn’t speak back … Perhaps it was for the better!”

Baz wonders what he would have had to say.

A SUPER MOVE

The Brumby name has been a fixture in Victorian politics since Baz was a boy. But the latest generation is heading off for a new adventure after Labor’s thumping state election victory.

Georgia Brumby, daughter of former premier John, has been the government’s well-regarded deputy media director and Daniel Andrews’ chief press secretary.

She’s leaving Spring St later this month for a new gig at Industry Super, which lobbies for the not-for-profit funds mostly linked to trade unions.

With a federal election just around the corner, which will decide the fate of super reforms urged by the banking royal commission and the Productivity Commission, Brumby will be sure to hit the ground running.

SCOMO SCORES HAT-TRICK FOR HIS SUN SENSE

Scott Morrison is certainly sun smart.

Unlike Baz, the Prime Minister appears keen to hold on to his youthful look by slapping on a hat while in the sun. Proving he is a normal bloke, ScoMo has ditched the Akubra for a more relaxed millinery style since taking the top job.

Among Baz’s favourites was the Big Aussie Barbie hat, as well as the “World Restart A Heart” hat to support the Royal Flying Doctors.

The Australian cricket team gave him a cap for the coin toss at the cricket. As did surfer MICK FANNING’s mum, ELIZABETH, who gifted him a Rip Curl hat.

He said it was a great way to support Australian businesses.

FOR SALE

There were plenty of Liberal MPs who lost their seats at the November election, many of whom are probably not used to having so much time on their hands.

Take former southeastern metropolitan MP INGA PEULICH, who seems to have turned to internet sales during her spare moments.

The latest item to hit Facebook’s buy, sell, swap page under the former MP’s profile is a set of eight Brother ink cartridges for $20.

The only catch is you have to head to Dingley Village to pick up the goods.

At that price, Baz might swing by this weekend, if they haven’t been snaffled already.

VOTE FOR BAZ?

Some state MPs like to cover their taxpayer-funded cars in their own brand.

A few are subtle, like TIM BULL’s “Truck’n with Tim” sticker. Liberal deputy leader CINDY McLEISH isn’t, plastering her name over her Subaru.

Brad Battin's numberplate urges people to “Vote BB”.

But Baz’s fave is her colleague BRAD BATTIN.

The Opposition’s youth justice spokesman simply urges people to “Vote BB”. Better hope Brad never faces another candidate in Gembrook with those initials.

Vote Backroom Baz has a nice ring to it, I reckon.

GOT ANY POLITICAL SCUTTLEBUTT FOR BAZ?

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