More staff hired to work on Premier Jacinta Allan’s team

Union warriors, lobbyists and bureaucrats are among the staff hired to work in Jacinta Allan’s office as the transition from her predecessor is almost complete.

The leadership transition from Daniel Andrews to Jacinta Allan is almost complete with most of the new Premier’s hires in place.

Senior bureaucrats, Labor staffers, lobbyists, and union warriors are among the staff, with one source telling the Herald Sun, “they’re hitting the ground running” with a lot to do before year’s end.

Jacinta Allan’s team is ‘ready to hit the ground running’. Picture: Luis Enrique Ascui

The latest recruit is Mounir Kiwan, appointed director of parliament and stakeholders.

He will be tasked with spearheading the legislative agenda and building ties with external parties.

The former deputy chief of staff to Labor Minister Martin Pakula has been sharpening his skills as a lobbyist.

Mounir Kiwan is director of parliament and stakeholders.

Declan McGonigle – a former adviser to Mr Andrews – has also been revealed as a second deputy chief of staff.

Hailing from the left faction, he shares the deputy role with Jess Lindell who is from the right - a clear sign that Ms Allan remained focused on keeping the factional peace.

It has previously been revealed that heading the office as chief of staff was Matt Phelan, who developed a close working relationship with Ms Allan while working as a bureaucrat in the transport portfolio.

There are still two major hires to come before the office is complete, which sources say will be announced in the coming weeks.

Two final major hires for Ms Allan’s office are set to be announced in coming weeks.