Backroom Baz: Jacinta Allan’s media team appears to be working against her

Jacinta Allan has been clocking more miles than a rideshare driver but her media team needs to ensure she doesn’t accidentally earn the title of “Premier in Hiding”.

Since taking the reins, Premier JA has been working overtime to ensure her place in a seat in rural Victoria isn’t the subject of controversy. Opposition MPs have been questioning whether she can juggle her duties while shuttling between city life and country charm, and some Labor insiders claim she’s been clocking more miles than a rideshare driver.

Even so, by most accounts JA has been doing the balancing act well. But, her media team seems to be working against her.

Jacinta Allan has been clocking more miles that a rideshare driver.

Just last Wednesday, JA was out in Bendigo, yet somehow, city journalists didn’t make the guest list for the press conference.

It also wasn’t a one-off; remember when her team exclusively invited regional reporters to a press conference the day the eagerly awaited first report on Victoria’s construction sector was unveiled? The Spring St press gallery certainly hasn’t forgotten.

Perhaps her media team should consider casting a wider net next time. Otherwise, they might just accidentally earn her the title of “Premier in Hiding.”

Embarrassing spelling boo-boo at prestigious awards

This week, the Melbourne Press Club was all aflutter unveiling their latest gem: the Jana Wendt Award for International Reporting, complete with a shiny $8000 prize.

Given that Jana is one of Australia’s most esteemed journalists, the excitement was palpable.

Journalist Jana Wendt. Picture: Joel Carrett

However, in a classic case of “oops,” they failed at Journalism 101 misspelling her name in the announcement email to thousands of members.

The crowning glory of the 30th anniversary Quill Awards celebration, was accidentally dubbed the “Jana Wenda” award.

Talk about a slip-up worthy of a Baz.

Generous MP runs out of cash

Word on Spring St is that a Liberal MP’s office is in a bit of a pickle, financially speaking.

It seems Nick McGowan, the Member for North Eastern Metropolitan Region, got a little too generous, tossing around cash to sports and community clubs.

Nick McGowan may be out of money but that could be a good thing.

His party mates have been shaking their heads in disapproval, tut-tutting over his confetti-cash antics, especially since he’s burned through most of his office budget just five months into the financial year. But McGowan? He’s unfazed. When approached by Baz’s spies, he shrugged and said, “guilty as charged”.

In a surprising twist, he proudly admitted to reallocating funds typically reserved for mail outs and Facebook ads to support the local community instead.

He also claims there’s still enough money in the kitty to keep the lights on, pay staff and carry out EO business until the new financial year.

However, he’s still waiting for the photo op — those giant cheques are apparently still in the mail.

Buzzy business at Parliament House

All of Victoria’s politicos know that parliament is a busy place, and it turns out it will be a real hive of activity over the Christmas break.

Three new beehives were installed at the southernmost corner of the Parliament House grounds last week with thousands of bees set to go about the gardens.

In good bureaucratic fashion signs will be put out to warn passers-by of the inherent danger. Word on the grapevine is that the bees will also be doing their bit to claw back money for the coffers, with the honey produced to be sold in the parliament gift shop.

Originally published as Backroom Baz: Jacinta Allan’s media team appears to be working against her