Brad Battin appoints new Liberal Party media boss, Dominic Raff

The Liberal Party has appointed its fifth media boss in less than four years but some party members have hit out at the transition as “very poorly managed”.

The Liberal Party has appointed its fifth media boss in less than four years, with Brad Battin selecting a long-standing party operative to the top job.

Dominic Raff, a conservative Liberal figure who has been in charge of the Property Council’s policy and media team for nearly three years, will be announced as Mr Battin’s director of media and communications.

Mr Raff will oversee the party’s media strategy and report to Mr Battin’s chief of staff Sid Wynen, who started in the role this week.

The latest appointment comes as all four members of the party’s current media team — which served under John Pesutto’s leadership — were all sent their marching orders.

Brad Battin has selected a new director of media and communications. Picture: Aaron Francis

The Herald Sun understands former media director Alex Woff, who worked under Mr Pesutto, Matthew Guy and Michael O’Brien, was offered to stay on in a senior media capacity but declined the role.

The three media advisors who worked under Mr Woff were all terminated on Wednesday. It’s understood two were offered positions but they also declined to stay on.

With Mr Raff not expected to officially begin his position until later this month, concerns have been raised about how daily media tasks — such as preparing for press conferences, distributing communications and responding to requests from journalists — will be carried out.

Internal party figures have questioned the management of the transition, pointing to the opposition’s ability to function effectively, particularly ahead of the crucial Prahran and Werribee by-elections.

Dominic Raff will become the Liberal Party’s director of media and communications. Picture: Linked In

“How can we hope to get our message out there or fight two by-elections in a month with no media team whatsoever,” one party source said.

“This whole transition seems very poorly managed.”

Prior to his role with the Property Council of Australia, Mr Raff served as an electorate officer for Bev McArthur and also spent time working for the Liberal Party.

Mr Raff is the Liberal Party’s fifth director of media since early 2021. Before him and Mr Woff was Nick Johnston, Lee Anderson and Mitch Grayson.

Former media director Alex Woff, who worked under John Pesutto, declined the role. Picture: David Crosling

Colleagues have described Mr Raff as being “unflappable under pressure”.

“Dom is exactly what the party needs right now. I could not think of a more qualified and capable person,” one Liberal said.

“I’m very confident that Dom is going to bring a high level of integrity and professionalism to the role.”

One senior MP and a supporter of the team changes said they were “keen to see an office willing to work 24/7” in the lead-up to the next state election.

“It became very clear not everyone wanted to sign up (to that),” the MP said.

“Dom has a proven record. He’s been a long time supporter of the party. He’s not only bringing his skills in media management, but also his strong desire to win government.”