Victorian Liberal Party: John Pesutto hires Nick Johnston as fourth media boss

Victorian opposition leader John Pesutto has announced the party’s newest head of communications – the fourth hire in three years.

Victorian Opposition leader John Pesutto announces Nick Johnston as the party’s media boss. Picture: Nicki Connolly

The Victorian Liberal Party has announced a new media boss, the fourth person to hold the role in just three years.

Nick Johnston, who is currently the General Manager of Media and Communications at the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, will join the party this month.

As the new Director of Communications and Strategy Mr Johnston will be tasked with helping to rebuild the party ahead of the 2026 election.

Senior Liberal sources say after years of turmoil within the party’s media unit, there is an expectation Mr Johnston will remain in the job for two terms.

Nick Johnston leaves the Victoria Property Council of Australia to join the Victorian Liberal Party.

“This is a career move, not a short stop over,” one source said.

“Ideally we’d love to see Nick here for two terms, building from the ground up and consolidating the team.”

Mr Johnston replaces Alex Woff who managed the media unit during last year’s election campaign.

He will remain as Director of Media.

Mr Woff was elevated to the top job after former Queensland government media director Lee Andreson quit abruptly in the fallout of the Mitch Catlin donor scandal.

Mr Anderson replaced Mitch Grayson, who left the role after becoming chief of staff to former leader Michael O’Brien.

It is hoped Mr Johnston will bring some much needed stability to the party.

“With more than 30 years’ experience on both sides of the media, Mr Johnston has enjoyed a distinguished career as a journalist, including stints covering state and federal politics for The Age, the ABC and Nine,” Mr Pesutto said.

“He has also held a number of senior communications roles including with the AFL, GWS Giants and the Property Council of Australia.

“Nick will bring a wealth of experience and provide important communications and strategic advice, while working closely with myself and the rest of the team to ensure we are effectively communicating with the Victorian people on those issues of greatest concern to the community.”

Mr Johnston will commence in the role on March 14.