Backroom Baz: Signs of reverse branch stacking in political home of Moira Deeming

Sources say a disproportionate amount of Liberal membership applications are being rejected in the political home of exiled MP Moira Deeming, despite it being precisely where the party needs to be attracting voters.

Sources have told Backroom Baz Liberal figures have been grilling potential members about any involvement they may have had with exiled MP Moira Deeming.

Think branch stacking and, inevitably, the Victorian Labor Party springs to mind care of the 2020 scandal that saw federal administrators takeover the state branch stripping members and unions losing voting rights.

The Liberal Party has not been immune to its own scandals, of course. But a new one for Baz this week: reverse branch stacking?

Sources in Melbourne’s north and west say a disproportionate amount of membership applications are being rejected in these key areas despite being precisely where the party needs to be attracting voters, and winning seats, if it stands a chance at its second shot of government in three decades come 2026.

Leaked documents show that as at late last year, more than 60 per cent of all membership rejections had occurred in the Western Metropolitan region, the political home of exiled MP Moira Deeming. Could there be a link?

Sources have told Baz senior Liberal figures have been grilling applicants on a range of issues, but curiously about any involvement they may have had with exiled MP Moira Deeming. Questions too, Baz is told, about whether they got to church. An attempt to kill off any hopes Deeming may have of holding onto her preselection? Perhaps. Or perhaps it’s all just a coincidence.

Premier’s adviser will leave big shoes to fill

Many have come and gone through the revolving door of the Premier’s media unit since Labor came to power in 2014.

Another leaves this week, but she’ll leave bigger shoes to fill than most because few have stayed as long, or done as much.

Which is why there were pretty significant efforts made to keep Jacinta Allan’s deputy director of media, Matilda Edwards Jézéquel, from moving north to Canberra to join federal treasurer Jim Chalmers’ staff. Alas, they were futile.

After almost eight years with the Victorian government, Jézéquel wants a new challenge. Those who have worked with her say she has left no stone unturned, building exceptional relationships across government, from back office staff to both premiers Allan and Daniel Andrews.

“She genuinely works harder than probably anyone I’ll meet ever again,” one colleague said of her work ethic and commitment to the Labor cause.

A definite “true believer” Jézéquel worked on the state’s assisted dying reforms and was passionate about the public education space. Baz’s spies say what was supposed to be a small farewell this week drew a massive crowd.

Baz reckons with Jézéquel in Canberra, Victoria will finally have a proper friend up north fighting for our fair share. His dealings with Jézéquel have always been ruthless, but fair. Can’t ask for more. Go well, Matilda.

Dan’s King’s Birthday gong as popular as a Covid lockdown

The awarding of a King’s Birthday gong to Daniel Andrews went down about as well as a Covid lockdown.

Former Premier Daniel Andrews’ King’s Birthday honour has not gone down well. Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images

It turned Baz’s mind back to the late, great, fictional minister Jim Hacker, who threatened legendary public servant Sir Humphrey Appleby he would withhold awards from those who hadn’t truly exceeded simply doing their jobs, and being paid handsomely to do so. (Baz wonders what Hacker would have made of Dan’s $500,000+ salary!).

Hacker’s brilliant idea was to make public servants truly work for their prize, making it incumbent on them to find a 5 per cent cut in their budgets or be ineligible.

Appleby warned the idea would set a dangerous precedent. Baz reckons with Victoria staring down $188bn debt, it’s a risk worth taking.

Bet that award was awkward

There were some red faces at the Victorian Sport Awards on Wednesday evening, where the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation sponsored a community sporting award. Not bad for an agency set to be dumped by the Allan government from July 1. Baz is told some bashful government officials kept their heads down during the award.

Gig up for grabs as Bill’s chief sets sail

The Canberra gossip about ‘Shorten for Paris’ might or might not be true but the NDIS minister will definitely soon be needing a new chief of staff.

Last week it was reported Albo had offered his predecessor the plum diplomatic post of Ambassador to France.

Liam Houlihan has had enough of politics. Picture: Alison Wynd

Friends of Bill are adamant the former Labor leader has no intention of going anywhere.

If anything he still dreams of a Napoleon-like return from leadership exile.

His COS on the other hand will soon be off.

Liam Houlihan, a former editor of the Geelong Advertiser, is understood to have announced he will soon be leaving.

Houlihan, who joined Shorten five years ago in the dark days after his 2019 election loss, has apparently had enough of politics and is looking for pastures new.

Anyone interested in helping Bill get the NDIS under control should start getting CV in order now.

Guess who?

Which Opposition figure has started using a secret, anonymous, email account to deal with journalists?

Overheard

“I’m honoured to have been nominated for this award and grateful to every Victorian who contributed to some of our state’s best times and who worked so hard to see us through our most challenging.” Daniel Andrews accepts his Companion of the Order of Australia gong.