Geelong Mayor Trent Sullivan strengthens Liberal ties with vice presidency appointment

Trent Sullivan says his elevation within the Liberal Party will have no impact on council’s relationship with the state government – but some disagree.

Geelong Mayor Trent Sullivan has been appointed as one of the Victorian Liberal Party’s vice presidents. Source: LinkedIn.

Geelong Mayor Trent Sullivan has been elected to a senior role within the Liberal Party in a move one City Hall insider says will not bode well for council.

Mr Sullivan was on Saturday appointed as one of four vice presidents of the Victorian branch.

In a LinkedIn post on Sunday, he said he was honoured to take on the year-long role.

“Looking forward to the journey ahead,” he said.

State Liberal leader John Pesutto and council colleague Eddy Kontelj were among those to like the post.

Mr Sullivan’s Liberal links are well-known, having previously served as president of the Geelong Regional Young Liberals group.

One senior City Hall figure said Mr Sullivan’s latest appointment could create headaches for council.

“It will further strain the Geelong council’s already poor relationship with the current state Labor government,” they said.

“It could also bring tension with the working relationship between the mayoral role and the Geelong council chief executive Ali Wastie.”

Ms Wastie is chair of two government boards – Alpine Resorts Victoria and Melbourne Showgrounds – but it is understood she has a productive working relationship with Mr Sullivan.

The pair will on Tuesday travel to Changwon as part of a push to deepen economic ties with the Korean city that is home to defence giant Hanwha.

Mr Sullivan has not committed to seeking re-election in this year’s council election and he would not be drawn on whether he wanted to one day seek Liberal preselection, either at a state or federal level.

His predecessor, Stephanie Asher, unsuccessfully stood for the Liberals in 2022 against Corangamite MP Libby Coker.

“I am focused on fulfilling my role as mayor,” Mr Sullivan said.

He said his vice presidency, which was backed by party president Philip Davis, would not negatively impact council’s relationship with the government.

“The community expects mutual respect from their elected representatives,” Mr Sullivan said.

“I have always congratulated local Labor MPs whenever they have advanced within their party.

“I only expect continuity of our respectful relationship with the state government – if there is any strain, it won’t be from council.”

Former Geelong mayor and Liberal candidate Stephanie Asher in 2022. Stephanie Asher speaking admitting not going well Picture: Mark Wilson

Geelong MP Christine Couzens said she hoped the appointment would not be detrimental to ratepayers.

“They (council) need to keep the politics out of it and do what’s best for the Geelong community,” she said.

Tensions between Ms Couzens and City Hall were sky-high following the May state budget.

Mr Sullivan issued a statement at the time that highlighted City Hall’s concerns over the lack of new investment in the region.

In response, Ms Couzens said the government’s commitment to Geelong had seen unprecedented infrastructure projects funded in recent years.

“So I ask the mayor of the City of Greater Geelong, what have they contributed to the significant state government infrastructure projects in Geelong?” she said.

“I believe it is almost zero.”

Lara MP Ella George said: “We will continue to work with Geelong City Council – regardless of the political aspirations of individual councillors – to deliver the infrastructure and services that Geelong deserves.”

Originally published as Geelong Mayor Trent Sullivan strengthens Liberal ties with vice presidency appointment