Backroom Baz: Dan Andrews’ team threw a swish city gath — without the man himself

It’s already been a year since the mighty team behind Daniel Andrews joined forces to start a new consultancy, and what a party they threw to celebrate. Take a guess at who was missing from the gath.

Time flies when you’re having fun. It’s already been a year since the mighty team behind Daniel Andrews joined forces to start a new consultancy, and what a party they threw to celebrate.

Andrews’ former chief of staff Lissie Ratcliffe, her deputy Jessie McCrone, ex strategy guru Ben Foster, and one longtime spin doctor formed FMRS Advisory last year to flog their corporate and government knowledge to cashed up clients.

After what Baz is told was a slow start to get up and running they must be doing OK, given the swish party at QV’s No Vacancy Gallery on Wednesday. It was a who’s who of Labor-aligned politicos from Lord Mayor Nick Reece to MPs Danny Pearson, Michaela Settle and Belinda Wilson.

VCCI boss Paul Guerra was there as were a slew of former advisers to top ministers including Lisa Neville, Tim Pallas and Martin Pakula. Royal Children’s Hospital comms boss Kog Ravindran was among the crowd as was current staffers from Jactina Allan’s office. One person noticeably absent from the do? Dan himself.

’Twas a no-show from the man himself. Picture: Luis Enrique Ascui

Which made Baz feel better for not getting an invite. Maybe next year.

Jaclyn goes green for maiden budget

When she delivers her first budget this week, Jaclyn Symes will be only the second of our top bean counters to be granted permission of the lower house to appear in its glorious green chamber to do so.

Symes is just the second upper house MP to hold the position, following Brumby government treasurer John Lenders.

Jaclyn Symes will jump into the lower house this week to deliver her first budget. Picture: David Caird

Manager of government business, Mary-Anne Thomas, said she was looking forward to welcoming Symes.

“I will reflect that I am a person that normally does not really welcome those from the other house into this place,” she said.

“I think that this is the people’s house and that we are the engine of government here in the Legislative Assembly.

“The house of review does its job, but seriously we are the people on the ground every day responding to the needs of our constituents. However, in this case, I want to make an exception because I do very much look forward to welcoming our Treasurer.”

Baz is told it’s still to be decided whether Jac will be allowed to bring her knife in, or be forced to leave it at the door. Watch this space.

Unearthing the past

The federal election might be over, but Baz couldn’t let this one go.

First-time Labor candidate Tully Fletcher ran a troubled campaign in the Bass Coast seat of Monash, which led to a rare swing towards successful Liberal candidate, Mary Aldred.

But why? Could it have been locals unearthed some of his controversial statements: like publicly describing Hillary Clinton’s personality as being akin to a mythical creature renowned for its unpleasant stench, comparing Julia Gillard to a character from TV show Yes Minister and sternly criticising the party’s factional system?

The comments were made in newspaper editorials he co-authored when he was a law student and co-editor of the Australian National University student newspaper, Woroni.

Mr Fletcher declined to comment this week, including on whether his comments about Ms Clinton were sexist. “It’s a no comment from me,” he said.

Mr Fletcher and his co-editor also called for Australia to dump the Royal Family, calling the Monarchy “patently ridiculous”. Mr Fletcher’s view on the monarchy was in stark contrast to the people he sought to represent on the Bass Coast, who in 1999 voted overwhelmingly in favour of retaining the monarchy.

Mr Fletcher was, until the campaign, working as a director at consultancy firm Deloitte.

Before that he worked as a staffer to Andrews government minister Martin Pakula. He declined to comment on his future plans.

$600k annual pay salary up for grabs

It’s been a couple of weeks since Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry boss, Paul Guerra, announced he was moving on to greener pasture with Melbourne Football Club.

So it begs the question, who will fill the big shoes and flash jackets he’ll leave at VCCI’s Collins St headquarters?

Who will take Paul Guerra’s spot at the Victorian Chamber of Commerce? Picture: Supplied

Former Property Council head turned podcaster Danni Hunter’s name keeps getting mentioned, as does that of Committee for Melbourne boss Scott Veenker.

Long running VCCI chief of staff, and sometime acting boss, Chanelle Pearson, is also considered a contender, if only an outside chance.

Baz is told the field of candidates is growing slowly, but among the small grouping there is some fierce competition for the coveted job which boasts access to Melbourne’s top movers and shakers, and a $600,000 annual pay packet to boot. Nice work if you can get it.

Great debate back for more

Spring St’s newest and greatest annual event is back.

After the huge success of the inaugural Great Debate between pollies and journalists last year, it’s back for a second go in what has become one of the Victorian Parliament’s most anticipated nights.

Baz can hardly think of a better way to raise money for charity. Last year more than $15,000 was raised for the Lions V District Skin Cancer van which provides a free skin testing service across the state. This year all funds will go to Need for Feed to support drought-stricken farmers.

Could AI politicians be better than the real ones?

The question? That AI politicians would be better than real politicians. The Australian Financial Review’s Sumeyya Ilanbey, ABC’s Raf Epstein and 3AW’s Tom Elliott will take on minister Gabrielle Williams, the Liberal Party’s David Hodgett and Jade Benham from the Nationals.

Baz reckons the debate is fast on its way to becoming Spring St’s own entertainment and networking opportunity with charity the big winner. Tickets here.