Backroom Baz: MPs in tears without budget funding to fulfill election promises

Sources have revealed what happened in the private ministerial budget briefing before the figures were made public, reducing MPs to tears.

There were mixed emotions on Spring St this week as treasurer Tim Pallas unveiled his tenth budget, and the first under the new Allan administration.

Hollow, forgettable, dire, boring: all words used to describe budget papers Pallas insisted were “sensible” and “disciplined” despite increasing spending and blowing debt out to a projected $187bn by 2027-28.

Baz’s spies say a ministerial briefing before it was made public was an emotional affair, with some frustrated MPs left in tears as they learned there really was no money in the kitty to fulfil election promises or offer sweeteners to constituents in marginal seats.

Sources inside the Labor caucus room said there was shock as MPs were told their requests for funding had been refused, much unlike in previous years where former premier Daniel Andrews was known to ignore the advice of his treasurer and treasury officials to hand out money willy nilly to appease MPs.

It is the first budget for Victoria Premier Jacinta Allan since she took over from Daniel Andrews. Picture: Getty Images

Backbenchers with their eyes firmly on the 2026 election are now quite seriously concerned about the prospect of re-election and the potential of an angry voter backlash.

Ten seats changed hands at the last election, and Labor currently holds 12 seats with a less than five per cent margin: they include Northcote’s Kat Theophanous and Bass’s Jordan Crugnale (0.2 per cent), Pakenham’s Emma Vulin (0.4 per cent) and Hastings’ Paul Mercurio (1.4 per cent).

Across the political aisle, the mood wasn’t better inside the Liberal Party room, Baz is told, as frustrated MPs clashed over the party’s messaging. Tempers flared through the week as MPs were blocked from putting out media releases, and some questioned the absence of a diverse range of Opposition voices in media coverage.

They certainly made up for it at Friday’s post budget Liberal love-in, attended by former premier Denis Napthine and former treasurer Alan Stockdale.

Treasurer’s post-budget carpool karaoke

But it wasn’t all frustration and fear for Labor people.

A number of backroom operatives were spotted in the bars and pubs around parliament on Tuesday night raising a glass to a budget that wasn’t quite as bad as what had been expected.

They included former Victorian Labor secretary Chris Ford who was spotted at the Cricketers Bar on Spring St. Tim Pallas also had a verifiable spring in his step through the week.

Perhaps he was pleased to have been able to deliver a budget sans interference, or maybe he’s giddy in the knowledge he’s delivered his last budget and doesn’t have to worry about it again (though he vehemently denies persistent rumours he’s set to quit politics).

Such was his mood post budget delivery, well placed sources say they spotted the Treasurer and his ministerial driver enjoying a spot of carpool karaoke as he was ferried between speaking engagements this week.

Victoria Treasurer Tim Pallas was worry-free between budget engagements this week, spotted enjoying carpool karaoke. Picture: Getty Images

It’s hardly the $10,000 budget invite-only after-party thrown by former cigar-chomping federal treasurer Joe Hockey.

But it got Baz thinking about what Pallas might use as his budget week soundtrack. Money, Money, Money by ABBA an obvious choice, as is Moneytalks by AC/DC. Perhaps The Beatles’ Can’t Buy Me Love is more Pallas’ vintage? Fiddler on the Roof’s If I Were A Rich Man seems apt, as does the Barenaked Ladies’ If I Had $1,000,000, one of Baz’s favourites.

On the back of the government’s new $400 School Saving Bonus, Dire Straits’ Money For Nothing seems a winner. Talking of Dire Straits, hyper-observant Spring St watches might have noticed the ghost of Daniel Andrews coming back to haunt Pallas at a Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry speaking engagement on Wednesday.

As guests waited for Pallas to take the stage, Dire Straits’ Walk of Life played in the background. Dire Straits was the band used by Andrews in his very last social media post ahead of his sudden resignation last September.

Baz wonders if Pallas will take the walk of life next, and step away from Spring St. Time will tell.

Pollies love a perk, no matter the taxpayer cost

Baz, like most taxpayers, can’t stand the waste of public moneys, especially among such dire economic forecasts. But pollies love a perk, especially when it comes to overseas travel (just ask those currently trying to work out how to get taxpayers to fund their upcoming winder breaks!).

But who is the mystery MP who tried to fight to have taxpayers food the $1,244.46 bill for a trip they never even took. A redacted report from Compliance Officer, Peter Lewinsky, dropped last sitting week, detailing the member’s fight for money for a cancelled trip.

Sensibly, Lewinsky sensibly told MP to take a walk.

But who is the MP? Not a good look at a time when households and the government are tightening their belts.

The candidates chasing Lord Mayor title

The field of candidates to replace outgoing Lord Mayor Sally Capp appears to be shortening. Baz is told four main contenders have emerged, while a number of others including a high-profile Liberal Party type are still considering a tilt.

Melbourne Lord Mayor Sally Capp will not seek a third term at the October elections. Picture: Blair Jackson

Deputy Nick Reece is chomping at the bit to take the gold chains from Capp. Current councillor Roshena Campbell who lobbied tirelessly against the growth of bike lanes and support for a second injecting room is also understood to be ready to nominate.

Former deputy Lord Mayor Arron Wood will certainly nominate, Baz is told, and there are some convinced former queen of Crown Ann Peacock will also. Peacock hosted Friday’s Liberal Party budget and appeared to get an endorsement by John Pesutto.

Baz knows these things are subject to change until nominations close, but for now, this quartet seems to be the leaders of the pack.

Game over for Groth

He’s spent the past 18 months shaking off his sportsman image to prove his pivot to politics is no stunt.

But sports, tourism and events shadow minister Sam Groth (top right) couldn’t resist the urge to pull the boots on to help local footy club Sorrento on Saturday. A decision he quickly came to regret, snapping his calf during the game’s third quarter.

Sam Groth sports Sorrento’s red and white on Saturday afternoon.

Groth might have been fast on the tennis court, and has shown a quick wit in parliament, but his attempt to take off down the wing is what had him limping off the field. “Dumb idea,” the MP told Baz after the game.

The former tennis star, who reached a career-high ranking of 53 and represented Australia at the Olympics, had been no footy slouch. He kicked 20 goals from 14 games with Eastern Football League side Vermont in 2011 and last pulled on the boots for North Heidelberg in 2018. But it’s now game over for Groth.

Perhaps just as well: Sorrento lost 23-47 to Dromana. “I’ll be hobbling around parliament next week for sure,” Groth said

Sam Groth in action on the field before his injury.

Overheard

“This budget is right for the times, and lays a clear path for future generations to come,” treasurer Tim Pallas on his tenth budget.

Guess Who?

Which former high profile politico’s hard earned thirst has been matched by a reputation of failing to part with his hard earned, seeing his tab closed at a number of Melbourne’s finest watering holes?