Backroom Baz: Greens’ uphill battle with Gabrielle de Vietri

Not even seeing a municipal monitor installed to performance manage her controversy-plagued council could dampen Gabrielle de Vietri’s appetite for politics.

Gabrielle de Vietri with Adam Bandt on Saturday.

Baz reckons the Greens have an uphill battle with Gabrielle de Vietri vying for a spot in state parliament.

The former Yarra mayor has raised plenty of eyebrows in her political career to date including voting in support of a tasteless cash grab to charge businesses up to $5000 to convert car parks into outdoor dining areas.

There’s also been the infamous municipal monitor implemented under her watch, so Baz was left scratching his head to hear she had been preselected to run in the state seat of Richmond.

She says the government has been running a campaign to run down the Greens, but Baz reckons they haven’t needed much help.

It was pleasing to see de Vietri out with Adam Bandt on Saturday — they must have buried the hatchet, which Baz was told had driven a massive wedge between the federal MP and the council mob.

MAY HITS A SNAG

Which former UK Prime Minister’s foreign police detail had to brave Melbourne’s public transport system while protecting their boss this week?

Yep, Theresa May’s. The security detail for the former PM has left many locals stunned, given she’s now just a humble MP.

They flew out here a week before she landed and made sure everything was tip-top. But they were forced to jump aboard local public transport after local constabulary refused to lend them support.

While Baz will gladly spruik Melbourne’s trams, trains and buses, it must be said they don’t hold a candle to London’s underground.

Lady May kept a remarkably low profile while in town, and kept to her promise of not doing any media.

Baz is assured she did enjoy a very healthy BBQ at a certain federal minister’s house. Shame our Premier and federal opposition leader weren’t invited: both handy with a pair of tongs.

Anthony Albanese and Daniel Andrews on the tongs.

WHO EXACTLY IS THAT GUY?

Just who is Baz remains one of Spring St’s greatest mysteries. Who is PRGuy is the other. Now there are moves afoot to use the courts to attempt to force Twitter to reveal the identity of PRGuy, with an argument the account was reminiscent of “communist style propaganda”. Baz remains deeply conflicted. While he’d love to know who PRGuy is, he equally would himself hate to be unmasked. Watching this one very closely.

CELEBRITY FACES

A new face has been added to Matthew Guy’s media team where ex-celebrity wrangler Mitch Catlin is chief of staff. Former gossip writer with “the other paper”, Suzanne Carbone has joined the fold, and reports to Catlin.

The Libs are also on the hunt for a social media guru to take on the role of Head of Social Media, which Baz is claiming credit for after revealing a number of mis-hits in recent weeks.

If you’re fancy with Facebook, are a bit of a Twit and handy with Instagram, the gig could be yours.

Ellen Sandell is pregnant with her third child. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

BABY BUMP IS THE REAL DEAL

As if an election campaign wasn’t going to make 2022 busy enough! Greens MP for Melbourne, Ellen Sandell, is having a baby.

Baz thought he spotted a bump when the honourable member rose to speak in parliament last week, but he knows better than to suppose or assume a lady is expecting. Best to ask, check again, and then make sure that’s right before going to print.

Baz is pleased to confirm he did all three and now tips his hat to Ms Sandell, and sends warmest congratulations for the upcoming arrival of baby number three, due in June.

IT’S FINE, REALLY

After all the hoopla over mask indiscretions last week, it was only the Libs who copped a spanking with Victoria police issuing five $100 fines to MPs. Perhaps they’ll think twice before plastering pics of a party room meeting online next time.

But who could think straight after having a proper rev up from footy legend Kevin Sheedy. Baz reckons $500 to hear him talk seems a pretty sweet deal.

Opposition leader Matthew Guy kindly offered to put his hand in his pocket to cover Sheedy’s fine, which hadn’t arrived when Baz last checked. But word is big Kev was expecting it.

This picture cost Kevin Sheedy and Matthew Guy a hundred bucks apiece. Picture: Supplied

GUESS WHO

Which former Deputy Lord Mayor has changed post politics gigs after only a short stint?

OVERHEARD

“I love chips,” Martin Pakula launching the Melbourne International Food and Wine Festival this week.