Backroom Baz: Jacinta’s jumpy spinners suggest Liberals’ message is landing
Labor’s spin machine was on fire this week, launching a series of unprovoked attacks on the Coalition, which insiders say is a sure sign the government is getting jumpy.
The Allan government’s spin machine was in overdrive this week, with a series of unprovoked attacks on the Coalition’s economic plan for Victoria, such that it is, claiming it would leave an $11bn black hole in the budget.
Sledging the Coalition as right-wing radicals, the attacks are a sure sign, insiders say, that the government is getting jumpy, especially with the elevation of Jess Wilson to the role of shadow treasurer.
Labor’s sudden enthusiasm for point-by-point rebuttals has some in Spring Street whispering that the opposition’s message might actually be landing.
Adding to the jitters, the Coalition got its first taste of the government benches when a wave of MPs crossed the floor during a vote on voluntary assisted dying law changes.
With the government relegated to the opposition benches for the vote, Coalition MPs seemed to relish the chance to sit in the seats of power.
“I’ve got to be honest, this is the best-looking front bench we’ve had here for a while,” Opposition Leader Brad Battin joked.
Group hug
It was an emotional affair this week when the government’s Indigenous MP, Sheena Watt, made her contribution on Treaty. The upper house erupted in applause after her heartfelt speech. Treasurer Jaclyn Symes was the first to leap from her seat, embracing Watt with the enthusiasm of a long-lost mate.
Minister Harriet Shing quickly followed, sparking a chain reaction. Soon the Legalise Cannabis MP David Ettershank joined in, Lizzie Blandthorn, Ingrid Stitt, house whip Lee Tarlarmis and a myriad of others from both the government and crossbench jumping aboard the hug train.
Even one Liberal MP snuck in a hug. The only one to miss out was Southern Metro’s Ryan Batchelor who remained conspicuously on the sideline.
But members were quick to assure Baz that his exclusion wasn’t a result of missing the vibe. Rather, he was simply trapped in an awkward seating arrangement that made joining the conga line of affection a logistical issue.
A premium on Liberals’ loan advice
In the lead-up to the now controversial $1.55m John Pesutto loan affair that has landed the Liberal Party in the Supreme Court, with members of the state executive at war with each other, legal advice was prepared for party president Phil Davis that warned at least one interpretation of the party’s constitution made approving the loan impermissible.
That advice was prepared by barrister Edward Gisonda, who sits on the party’s constitutional committee. Gisonda this week earned the addition of postnominals SC after his name, meaning that advice might be even better than Liberal Party members thought it at the time.
Gisonda, alongside 20 other lawyers, was this week appointed a Senior Counsel recognising his exceptional skill as an advocate and his esteemed position within the legal community, according to the Victorian Bar.
His advice also set out three options for approving the loan but warned that all four options had their “own problems”.
That will now be a matter for a Supreme Court justice.
As it pleases the court.
Harry here to schmooze
New Orleans jazzman and part-time Melbourne local Harry Connick Jr made a surprise appearance at parliament this week, turning heads as he toured the building, posing for selfies and charming MPs on both sides of the aisle.
One Labor MP asked the renowned singer and actor – who has sold 30 million records – to come to his office to play his piano. The request was politely declined, Baz is told.
Connick Jr, whose daughters live here permanently, has recently set up a business in Melbourne in filmmaking and production and was talking to MPs about the venture.
Brad mixes it with the Mango
Opposition Leader Brad Battin traded parliament for punchlines this week, jumping behind the mic with comedy trio Sooshi Mango for their popular podcast.
The chat – which will air this week – follows in the footsteps of Scott Morrison, who jumped on the Sooshi Mango bandwagon in the lead-up to the 2023 election, copping a few laughs, and a few barbs.
Baz is told Battin’s appearance was a more serious chat, with a heavy focus on crime. Some colleagues raised eyebrows at Battin’s decision to duck out of parliament to record the podcast, especially given he also popped out to attend a Melbourne Cup launch event, too.
Others say branching out to new media and reaching new audiences is what Battin does well, and should be doing more of. Baz will report back after the podcast airs.
Overheard
This is a historic moment for Victoria – today we’ve taken a major step forward in building a future that empowers and respects First Nations Victorians. - Natalie Hutchins - Minister for Treaty and First Peoples
Guess who?
Which Liberal MP was missing during this week’s Treaty vote?
