Backroom Baz: It’s been a big year on Spring St

It’s that time of year again, when Baz presents his awards to acknowledge the good, bad and downright hilarious from the year in politics.

It’s been an eventful year in politics.

It’s that time of year again, when Baz presents his awards to acknowledge the good, bad and downright hilarious from the year in politics.

Thanks for reading in 2024. Baz is taking a well-earned break and will return in February. Keep the tips coming in and have a safe and happy new year.

Animal Justice Party’s Georgie Purcell is the top digital diva. Picture: Nicki Connolly

Best Social Media

Animal Justice Party’s Georgie Purcell is the top digital diva. With a vibrant purple presence, her nappy videos keep the public glued to their screens, and with a whopping 206,000 Insta followers, she’s practically the social media monarch—outpacing the Premier by nearly tenfold.

New treasurer Jaclyn Symes at Government House with Jacinta Allan. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

Best Power Suit Duo

Jacinta Allan and her new treasurer, Jac Symes, served up looks that could stop traffic at Government House. Clad in matching red and blue ensembles, they’re shaping up to be a dynamic duo already.

Moira Deeming is the comeback queen. Picture: David Crosling

Greatest Comeback

Moira Deeming, the comeback queen, just keeps rising from the ashes – much like a phoenix that’s also a master of defamation suits. After her two year battle she has gotten back into the Liberal Party. Baz can’t wait to see how this plays out in the new year.

Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny. Picture: Nadir Kinani

Most On-Brand

New Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenny is always turning heads with her fire engine red wardrobe—the official colour of Labor.

Former Opposition Leader John Pesutto. Picture: David Crosling

Biggest Loser

Liberal MP John Pesutto first with his hugely expensive defamation loss followed by being stripped of his leadership title. In the game of political dodge ball, it’s clear he’s taking more hits than a piñata.

Danny Pearson is like the political equivalent of a flat tyre. Picture: Nicki Connolly

Biggest cabinet demotion

Danny Pearson is like the political equivalent of a flat tyre – going nowhere fast! Ignoring crucial advice about the state-backed home building insurance scheme and needing a Premier rescue during the CFMEU crisis? That’s what we call a one-way ticket to the doghouse. Oh, and he got demoted in the last cabinet reshuffle.

Tim Pallas’s resignation was no surprise. Picture: Aaron Francis

Worst Kept Secret

Tim Pallas’s resignation was so obvious that even the office plants were gossiping about it six months before he officially said goodbye.

Sam Hibbins’ exit left a hole in his party and his Prahran seat.

Most Disgraced

Sam Hibbins, deputy leader of the Greens, took a swift tumble from grace after allegations of inappropriate behaviour. He has denied the allegations but his exit left a hole in his party and his Prahan seat, proving sometimes, the fall is swifter than the rise.

Eden Foster. Picture: Luis Enrique Ascui

Emma Vulin. Picture: David Smith

Most Valiant Performance

Eden Foster and Emma Vulin are not just fighting personal battles; they’re champions in their own right turning adversity into advocacy.

Minister Gabrielle Williams raised $20,000 for cancer. Picture: David Crosling

Best Haircut

Gabrielle W’s buzz cut on the steps of parliament raised a staggering $20,000 for cancer research. Not only is she making a statement, but she’s also looking super stylish doing it.

Nathan Lambert with Gabrielle Williams. Picture: Facebook

Best Beard

Nathan Lambert’s illustrious man scaping could hide a rabbit in that thing.