How Victorian politics is like Game of Thrones
Warring factions, bloodshed and an ever-advancing enemy: the state of Victorian politics currently resembles Game of Thrones. The Adem Somyurek scandal has exposed the shaky alliances that hold the state Labor Party together — and threaten to tear it apart.
VIC News
Don't miss out on the headlines from VIC News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
House of Somyurek – the Mods
Brought warring union clans together through shrewd backroom manoeuvring but was initially as fragile as peace between the Tyrells and Martells.
The aim was to build power to wrest back some control of the political agenda, usually by taking over territory and installing allies to state and federal seats.
Part of the new army was built through an unlikely alliance that blindsided many, when left wing industrial unions such as the CFMEU – led by John Setka – effectively joined forces with more conservative comrades gathered by Somyurek, who had been banished to the backbench in 2015.
Loyal Somyurek soldiers managed to kill off most of rival House of Conroy in what was a political bloodbath of Red Wedding proportions.
In the process they took over former federal senator Stephen Conroy’s TWU forces and seats that would be valuable territory in war but created lifelong enemies.
Still searching for its right wing leader in waiting, ala John Snow, the House was complicated by the relationships of Cabinet knights scarred by previous battles.
For example, National Union of Workers heavy hitter, Treasurer Tim Pallas, and the Shoppis Union man, Deputy Premier James Merlino, were intrinsically linked to the rival House of Dan.
Somyurek’s aggressive warmongering has now come back to bite, with an extraordinary internal hit akin to the poisoning of Joffrey by House Tyrell.
He has now been dispatched to the parliamentary crossbench Night’s Watch, while chief allies Marlene Kairouz and Robin Scott have quit Cabinet.
House of Dan – Socialist Left
Built power base methodically, particularly with its strongholds in the southeast, while enemies underestimated the will to win of premier Dan Andrews.
Dan trod a fine factional line in his first term, fighting battles on multiple fronts, but with a thumping 2018 victory where he repelled the white walkers led by Matthew Guy, he was able to install more Cabinet warriors as faithful as the unsullied army protecting Daenerys Stormborn.
Chief among his army was “the Beard” Gavin Jennings, who cut deals like Littlefinger while building enemies everywhere.
Jennings also had the steadfastness of Ser Jorah Mormont, who brushed aside greyscale to ride into battle with his leader.
Those loyal to Andrews admire his ability to take hits and walk through dragon fire and seemingly come out unscathed.
His power was enhanced by Pallas, his Master of Coin, spending war time rations and happily building up a healthy debt.
Many within the House are aware that “the Iron Bank will have its due” but view money woes as a problem for another age.
Almost destroyed from within by the United Firefighters Union, who lobbed wildfire into their own land like Cersei to scorch the earth of enemies.
Those aligned with service-based unions stayed strong for Dan, who has dished out the spoils of war to those who remain on his side.
The other enemy
Beyond the Labor wall is the Liberal Party, led by Michael O’Brien.
It is trying to march on Westeros while Labor’s warring houses tear each other apart.
Many from Labor have tried to urge unity needed to face the real enemy that will one day try to break through its defences, but are constantly thwarted by those seeking power.
So far O’Brien, willing himself to be the Night King, has been unable to land a spear on Dan or his dragons, and has been battling to keep his wights from wandering off to minor skirmishes along the way.
If Labor can’t unite its Houses, then there will be a gaping hole in its defence in 2022.
MORE NEWS:
LABOR FIGURES CLAIM TAXPAYERS FOOT BILL FOR FACTIONAL CHIEF
WHY MPS SPOOKED BY POLITICAL HIT ON SOMYUREK