Backroom Baz: Jactina Allan spinners fire up for John Pesutto ABC radio interview

Daniel Andrews branded the opposition irrelevant, but the new Premier’s Office took an extraordinary interest in a John Pesutto interview with ABC radio.

John Pesutto’s chat with ABC’s Ali Moore attracted the attention of

Daniel Andrews used to make a habit of pointing out that his Opposition were irrelevant to his work. He’d rarely name anyone from the Opposition benches, more often than not refused to comment on anything they did or said, and carried on as though if there was an Opposition, he wasn’t aware.

John Pesutto chats with ABC’s Ali Moore

Now, of course we know this was all part of his schtick. And proof this week that at least for some within his office, who have stayed on to work with Jacinta Allan, the work of the Opposition is very much at the forefront of their minds.

An appearance of Opposition Leader John Pesutto on ABC Radio with Ali Moore this week certainly excited some staff within the Premier’s office. Baz is told not only did they check in with Moore herself about the interview, but they very helpfully texted questions through to the presenter to give her a helping hand with her hard-hitting interview.

Of course the Opposition would do exactly the same if the tables were turned, it’s politics after all. But it’s an interesting insight into just how much focus there is on the other side from the Premier’s team.

Is Brighton out for Dan?

Daniel Andrews is back in town, and more than a few eagle-eyed Spring St watchers have spotted him back near his old stomping ground.

Fresh from a visit to New York, Andrews has been reportedly setting up his new office, afforded to all former premiers. With the office sorted, speculation turns to the home front and whether he has scotched persistent rumours of a family move to Brighton?

Daniel Andrews is back in Melbourne setting up his private office. Picture: David Crosling

In endorsing the ALP candidate for the coming Mulgrave by-election, Eden Foster, Andrews speaks of a local community “that my family and I proudly call home”. He also says that leaving politics “wasn’t an easy decision”.

“As much as we’ve achieved together, there’s always more to do,” he says. “But nine years of working hard every day as Premier of Victoria does take its toll.”

Last spotted in New York, in a trip variously speculated as being for either work/pleasure or both, Andrews says Mulgrave would be in “good hands” with the ALP’s Foster, a former mayor who is “dedicated to helping others and ensuring everyone gets a fair go”.

To win the seat, Foster will have to defeat a field of candidates including Family First and the prominently angry Ian Cook, who is suing the health department for $50m after the closure of his business.

Lib’s Mulgrave candidate back in the (pastry) fold

Another candidate in the running for the November 18 by-election is the Liberal Party’s Courtney Mann. Baz learnt a little bit of trivia this week about Mann, who cites his first job as a teenager as working at the local Bakers Delight.

Liberal candidate Courtney Mann hands out how to vote cards in Mulgrave

Mann’s first job was at a bakery owned by Brad Battin. Picture: Aaron Francis

The franchisee of the Wheelers Hill store was none other than Berwick MP Brad Battin. Baz wonders what the two might cook up if Mann manages to pull off a miraculous — and very unlikely — win.

At last year’s election, the Libs finished in third place on first preferences after Andrews and Ian Cook. Candidate Michael Piastrino suffered an 11 per cent swing against the Libs for his efforts. And yet, Baz is told he considered throwing his hat in the ring for another go! Best he remains hairdresser to the stars, Baz thinks.

Allan calls up Dan for early guidance

Jacinta Allan says she has stayed phone buddies with her predecessor Dan Andrews as she settles into her new gig.

Dismissing speculation of a falling-out between the pair, Ms Allan said she had spoken to Andrews, last sighted in New York, multiple times since she stepped into the top job last month.

Allan has been keeping in touch with Dan. Picture: Sarah Matray

“I have had a number of conversations over the past five weeks now since the former premier departed,” she said on Tuesday.

She said it wasn’t just Andrews she’d been leaning on for guidance during her chaotic first month in the big role.

“I’ve spoken to other former premiers as well because they’re a fabulous source of advice and support,” she said. Former premier Steve Bracks, who selected Allan for his Cabinet in 2002, has said Allan will be a “much more inclusive leader than we have had in the past”.

Smoko Steve soldiers on

Environment Minister Steve Dimopoulos has had many monikers during his time in government. Skyrail Steve, Dimo, and NicestMP in the Cabinet, just to name a few.

Steve Dimopoulos got caught standing down wind during a smoking ceremony.

Maybe from now on, Baz thinks the Minister for Cans should be called Smoko Steve. No, he wasn’t caught sneaking off for a ciggie with former premier Daniel Andrews, instead he had the unfortunate luck of standing down wind during the smoking ceremony at the launch of the long-awaited Container Deposit Scheme.

Baz’s sources say Smoko Steve copped a continuous plume to the face, leaving him croaky, red-eyed and stuffed up. But SmokoSteve soldiered on to make the big announcement minutes later.

Guess who?

Which state MP is considering a tilt at federal politics?

Baz overheard

“I’ve decided the new Premier is Captain Chaos. So that’s the end of any interview.” 3AW presenter Neil Mitchell christens Jacinta Allan, and rules himself out of any sit-down interviews with the new premier