Backroom Baz: 2020’s best political moments revealed
Backroom Baz presents his Bazzies to award the good, bad and downright hilarious from the year in politics — and 2020 has given us plenty to choose from.
Victoria
Don't miss out on the headlines from Victoria. Followed categories will be added to My News.
“Everybody right to go?” — Premier Daniel Andrews’ press conference starting question became a pandemic catchphrase.
Like him or loathe him, Baz has to tip his hat to Andrews for his more than 120 consecutive press conferences this year.
Some (OK, many) were sleep-inducingly boring, but that aside they served an important role.
There are few pollies who would expose themselves to the risk of being hammered with questions day after day for more than three months.
MOST MENTIONS
In 2019 no one knew who chief health officer Brett Sutton was, but this year he was front and centre ... on TV, radio, on bedspreads and face masks — but apparently not on the hotel quarantine team much to his dismay. Despite all the chaos he‘s remained popular with the public, but apparently not so behind the scenes.
BEST POLITICAL CONSPIRACY THEORY
Rumours abounded when Matthew Guy and Peta Credlin, Sky News commentator and former chief of staff to Tony Abbott, were spotted having dinner together.
The meal stirred up the rumour mill with Spring Street types surmising Credlin was plotting to be parachuted into state parliament and take over the Libs’ leadership from Michael O’Brien.
Baz hears it’s more likely she is putting in the groundwork for a seat in the federal senate.
BIGGEST MASK FAIL
He’s responsible for Australia’s health system, but don’t ask federal health minister Greg Hunt how to put on a mask.
BEST CAUGHT ON CAMERA
It’s been a big year. We’re all feeling exhausted. But when the cameras are rolling in the Senate it’s best to stay awake during your comrade’s speeches. We’re looking at you, Kim Carr. Meanwhile, colleague Kristina Keneally kept fighting the good fight.
BEST AND WORST IN THE FASHION STAKES
Labor’s Marlene Kairouz never attends parliament not looking like a million dollars.
Even in times of crisis the former minister looked smashing as she rocked her iconic classic ‘80s power jacket and necklace of large pearls.
Speaking of iconic — an honourable mention to former premier Jeff Kennett who sparked a lot of social media action in August when he sported a shirt with the kind of collar that ‘70s TV cops would have envied.
And another honourable mention to Sonja Terpstra for her seemingly endless collection of weird and wonderful face masks.
Then of course there was all the excitement over Brett Sutton’s “silver fox’’ stubble — not to mention the day when he ditched the jacket for a more casual jumper. Well, after scores of daily pressers, the audience was always on the lookout for something new.
BEST SLEDGE
“Listen mate, if brains were taxed you’d get a refund ... I don’t even know where you are the member for but I’m sure you won’t be there next time. ”
Liberal MP Matthew Guy getting fired up at a Labor Party heckler in the chamber.
MOST UNEXPECTED DEPARTURES
Jenny Mikakos, former Health Minister, and Chris Eccles, secretary to the Department of Premier and Cabinet, both resigned due to Victoria’s hotel quarantine debacle. While both denied having responsibility for the program, they were expendable and ultimately felt they couldn’t serve any more — particularly after Dan Andrews’ testimony to the hotel quarantine inquiry.
WORST PUBLIC SPEAKER
The new Health Minister, Martin Foley, was installed during the pandemic — what an exciting time right?
Wrong! From his first day on the job, monotone has appeared to be his approach, but hey, at least Leader Dan actually backs him — we will see how long that lasts.
WORST WHINGE
Liberal MP Wendy Lovell bagging out colleagues for tipping off Baz, which was duly leaked to Baz. Lovell aired her grievances at a party room meeting, which was met with plenty of eye rolling. It’s not the first time Lovell has complained, and probably won’t be the last.
Female guard taken captive, shiv held at throat in youth prison attack
A female guard was pinned down by two inmates who held a makeshift knife to her throat during a terrifying attack at the Melbourne Youth Justice Centre in Parkville.
Former Supreme Court judge George Hampel dies, age 91
He presided in more than 100 murder trials, but George Hampel is being remembered for far more at the wake of his death, his influence expected to continue for “years to come”.