Liberal MP Sam Groth says Martin Pakula in GP role would be latest ‘jobs for mates’ appointment

Former Andrews government minister Martin Pakula is believed to be the front runner for the top Melbourne Grand Prix role, in what the opposition says would be Labor’s latest “jobs for mates” appointment.

Martin Pakula (right) is tipped to be a favourite for the plum Grand Prix role. Picture: Luis Ascui

As Australian Grand Prix boss Paul Little prepares to step down, eyebrows are being raised over whether the plum role will be handed to a former Andrews government minister.

Tennis star turned Liberal MP Sam Groth in parliament on Thursday reignited concerns about the government’s “jobs-for-mates” culture, flagging that a former Labor minister was likely to be offered the key events role when Mr Little steps aside this month.

The Herald Sun understands former sports minister Martin Pakula is tipped as the front runner for the prized position.

Mr Pakula, who resigned from parliament in June last year, dodged key questions at a federal probe into the Commonwealth Games this week, arguing he couldn’t reveal “confidential deliberations of cabinet”.

During question time, Mr Groth pressed Major Events Minister Steve Dimopoulos over whether Victorians could expect a “transparent” recruitment process.

“The government has recently appointed former Labor ministers Martin Foley, Lisa Neville and James Merlino to senior positions,” he said.

Pakula during a senate hearing into Victoria’s handling of the Commonwealth Games. Picture: Aaron Francis

He queried whether “it is government policy that all appointments within his portfolio will have an open and transparent selection process.”

Mr Dimopoulos said every appointment was made on merit.

“Every single appointment we make is on merit and I encourage the member if he has an actual example … to share it to the house,” he said.

Mr Groth, in a statement, said after the cancellation of the Commonwealth Games, “we cannot afford to take any risks when it comes to these appointments”.

“This will be the latest in a series of jobs-for-mates appointments by the Andrews Labor Government,” he said.

“Victorians need to have confidence that these jobs are being awarded based on merit, not personal allegiance to the Premier.”

The comments come two weeks after former health minister Martin Foley scored a cushy new role as chairman of the Melbourne Arts Precinct Corporation (MAP Co), with a salary of up to $150,000 per year.

The appointment was announced less than two months after the retired MP began in another board position, chair of Alfred Health, with a salary understood to be up to $133,000.

Former police minister Lisa Neville was also handed a role as the chair of Barwon Health in June, while former deputy premier James Merlino also secured his position as chair of the Suburban Rail Loop Authority.

Opposition leader John Pesutto slammed the decision last month, claiming there was “no merit selection” process.

Daniel Andrews on Wednesday denied that Mr Pakula had approached him for the top sporting role, saying it was yet to be secured.

“There has been no appointment made. When the appointment is made it will be announced in the usual way,” he said.