Backroom Baz: Martin Pakula’s Cup runneth over with praise
Racing Minister Martin Pakula had a busy week, offering some choice words for those attacking the Melbourne Cup and setting sartorial standards for the big day, writes Backroom Baz.
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IT’S been a big week for Martin “Minister for Fun” Pakula.
The Racing Minister was trackside to lap up Vow and Declare’s stunning Australian-made Melbourne Cup victory.
The day before, he showed off this year’s trophy to thousands of Victorians who defied the rain for the Melbourne Cup parade.
Pakula fired back at the #NupToTheCup crowd, praising fans who “defied the abusive mob who think they’re entitled to tell people what job they’re allowed to have and what they’re allowed to enjoy”.
Baz couldn’t agree more, and was also right behind Pakula when he seized on a Twitter edict about the need for men to wear socks at the races, declaring: “I am the Minister for Racing and I approve this message.”
Racing Victoria boss Giles Thompson also backed him up but it seems racegoers missed the memo. Three men claimed prizes in Fashions on the Field at Derby Day last weekend — and there wasn’t a sock to be seen between them.
Might be time for Pakula to legislate.
IT’S A LONG WAY TO THE VOTE
IF YOU EAT A SAUSAGE ROLL
Watching pollies hustle to the chamber to vote when the bells start ringing has always been a source of amusement for Baz.
So he was saddened to learn that state MPs are now afforded four minutes to get to their seats — up from three minutes last year.
But it appears the longer time limit has done little to help Upper House members who were last month spotted sprinting to the chamber to avoid being locked out.
Liberal MP Wendy Lovell nearly missed a vote in the Legislative Council but was ushered inside as the doors were closed.
Her colleague Bruce Atkinson was not so lucky. He was spied sitting in the public gallery during a vote on an Opposition amendment, sparking whispers in the chamber below.
Baz’s spies say it was not a public protest by the former president, who had simply missed out and decided to watch the proceedings anyway.
But it might be time for some MPs to give up parliament’s superb sausage rolls so they’re in better shape for the parliamentary sprint next sitting week.
And that would mean more for Baz, too!
TIBETAN TANGLE
When Labor MP Paul Hamer raised the Chinese flag above Box Hill police station earlier this year, politicians were quick to flip the switch to outrage.
But behind closed doors, it seems some are willing to take a more friendly approach to China, especially if there is a free overseas trip on the table.
In the days after the flag saga, Baz hears Liberal MP James Newbury — the deputy secretary of the Victorian Parliamentary People’s Republic of China Friendship Group — was ringing around to put together a study group to visit Tibet.
The trip was organised by Chinese Communist Party chiefs so Victorian MPs could see the “One-China” policy in action.
And with the Chinese government willing to foot the bill, Baz’s spies say there was strong interest from MPs across several parties, but the details have not yet been locked in.
Why our state MPs need to visit Tibet is a good question — although an all-expenses paid trip can be hard to pass up.
In fact, Baz would love to receive an invite himself, especially after the Spring St gallery — bar one journalist — missed out on Premier Daniel Andrews’ China trade trip last month.
WHAT’S IN A NAME?
She left Federal Minister Ken Wyatt’s office following claims of poor behaviour, but it appears the Canberra staffer at the centre of a taxpayer-funded bullying probe is back.
In 2018 Paula Gelo — as she was known — was criticised by her colleagues but her minister stood by her, even threatening to quit parliament in order to protect her from being investigated.
At the height of unpleasantries, staff from Greg Hunt’s office popped into the Wyatt office to see what all the fuss was about after hearing a spat.
Baz hears Gelo moved on from Wyatt’s office after the election, but has reappeared as a lobbyist at Australian Public Affairs. Paula Smith, as she is now known, has rebranded and is promoting herself as an expert in “advocacy and lobbying” — something her former colleagues could no doubt agree on.
And according to a quote on her online profile, not much has changed: “No matter the problem, there is always a solution, it’s just about the perspective and execution.” Fair dinkum.
THE LAST WORD
Baz’s Labor readers enjoyed last month’s tale of Rob Hulls’ first confrontation with Jeff Kennett after the stunning 1999 state election.
Hullsy had shared the story at a Class of ‘99 reunion, recalling that he told the defeated premier that it was “really, REALLY great to be in government”.
The former attorney-general has since added a bit of mustard, writing in to Baz to let him know that the real punchline came
after that.
“I then thanked him for giving us the opportunity!”
Baz would have loved to have seen the look on Kennett’s face.
MORE BACKROOM BAZ:
OVERHEARD BY BAZ
“(I’m) a little gun-shy about tipping.”
— Bill Shorten at the Melbourne Cup before his pick, Vow and Declare, hit the line first.
GUESS WHO?
Which prominent politician — supposedly a reformed smoker — was spotted puffing away during last week’s racing festivities?
Got any political scuttlebutt for Baz?