Backroom Baz: Liberal MP Bev McArthur doses off during governor’s inauguration
Outspoken Liberal MP Bev McArthur was spotted drifting off to sleep during the inauguration of Victoria’s new governor earlier this week.
News
Don't miss out on the headlines from News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Those lucky enough to attend the inauguration of new governor Margaret Gardner this week were treated to quite the spectacle, at least by Spring St standards.
Those lucky enough to attend the inauguration of new governor Margaret Gardner this week were treated to quite the spectacle, at least by Spring St standards.
While the pomp and ceremony had nothing on that on display for the recent coronation of King Charles III, guests were treated to a suitably fitting event for his republican representative here in Victoria.
The 30-minute swearing in was brief and efficient. Not brief enough for some, it appeared. Take Liberal MP, and enthusiastic monarchist, Bev McArthur. Debate about whether or not she nodded off during proceedings will continue throughout the Governor’s reign, Baz is sure.
From where Baz was sitting, it certainly appeared as though proceedings weren’t lively enough to keep Mrs McArthur’s attention. It should not be forgotten, this is the same woman who hosted local coronation celebrations. Perhaps in comparison our little knees-up was just a bit dull.
A battle of Will
Despite his vehement denials of any and all wrongdoing, speculation is mounting that ex-Labor MP Will Fowles will ultimately resign from parliament.
We’re still none the wiser about why Daniel Andrews demanded his resignation last week, save to say it involved an alleged sexual assault on a female government employee. With no police complaint yet made, and no investigation by either the Department of Premier and Cabinet or parliament’s presiding officers, we may never know.
It’s strange though, that a more formal investigation hasn’t been launched given Fowles’ current intention of hanging around Spring St. Though there are few who expect him to stick it out.
Spring St can be a lonely place for an independent, especially one essentially booted from their party. Ask Kaushaliya Vaghela, who spent eight months on the crossbench last year after accusing the premier of bullying and resigning from the ALP. Fowles, by contrast, faces three years in the political wilderness.
Sources have told Baz that Fowles, who had been spending time away from home in recent months, has been struggling in more ways than one. And concerns had been raised about his behaviour.
It is understood he has spent the past week on a family farm. Perhaps he sees a future working in the family winery. Or, could he have a future on the stage? Fowles was the Pipe Major of Scotch College’s Highland Pipe Band. And his brother was one of Australia’s very own Ten Tenors. Clearly the Fowles genes are not without musical talent!
New member of 40 club
A shout out to Liberal Party whip and member for Mornington Chris Crewther who turned 40 this week. Crewther, who held the federal seat of Dunkley from 2016-19, made the transition to state politics at last year’s Victorian election. Happy birthday, Chris.
Heat’s on Heath
One of Crewther’s close mates since coming to Spring St has been fellow Liberal Renee Heath. If some had their way, Heath would be going the way of colleague Moira Deeming, and Will Fowles – to the crossbench. Her appearance at an event last week hosted by Freedom Party president Morgan C. Jonas has got some colleagues’ noses severely out of joint.
Baz has confirmed Heath’s position in the party is safe, for now. The same can’t be said for her father, Pastor Brian Heath, who also attended and spoke at the event.
“The minute the Warrandyte by-election is out of the way, there will be a move to get him out of the party,” one well placed source said.
Lib the tip in Warrandyte
Twelve candidates will contest the Warrandyte by-election, with hot favourite Liberal Nicole Werner drawing second spot in the ballot. She’s up against local councillor, the Greens Tomas Lightbody, Family First, the Freedom Party, the Victorian Socialists, the DLP and a host of independents.
Anything can, and does, happen in politics. But with the Libs holding a comfortable 4.2 per cent margin, it will take quite some preference deal to knock them out of the race.
‘Stakeholder’ storm in Port
It’s been some time since Baz has brought you, dear reader, any jobs-for-the-boys-style news. Well, you might remember the former Member for Nepean Chris Brayne, who notably lost his license for having a lead foot. Sources say he has recently joined Port Phillip Council’s stakeholder team, led by another former Labor MP Brian Teague, the only Labor MP to lose his seat at the 2014 election.
Readers might be surprised to hear that the council’s stakeholder team is yet to knock on the door of Liberal MP James Newbury, who represents part of the municipality. Baz reckons it won’t be a warm welcome.
Overheard by Baz
“Don’t know about that”
– Daniel Andrews pours cold water on Anthony Albanese’s push to have a public holiday for the Matildas.
Guess who
Which prominent MP was recently spotted at a suburban pub with a group of friends or work colleagues in a very merry state?
Cost of building an Aussie home hits shock high amid 70k shortfall
The average cost of building a new house in Australia has hit a shock new high as the nation’s efforts to fight a housing crisis with more homes fell short by almost 70,000 last year.
Coles to slash number of products it sells
Supermarket giant Coles is pushing forward with a plan to slash the number of products on its shelves by at least 10 per cent, in a move it says is designed to make it “easier” for shoppers.