Deal on new Vic ALP chief ‘soon’

The Socialist Left has stepped up its bid to grab the top job in Victoria’s ALP.

Premier Jacinta Allan. Picture: David Caird

The Socialist Left is tightening its grip on the Victoria ALP with influential factional figure Steve Staikos moving closer to securing the key job of state secretary.

The dominant faction which includes Premier Jacinta Allan has doubled down in recent weeks in its internal power play with the minority Right and key figures are now more confident than ever Mr Staikos is poised to become the ALP’s chief backroom operator.

There was strong backing at a Socialist Left executive meeting late last month to appoint Mr Staikos in the role to replace the Right’s Cameron Petrie who has been acting state secretary for six months.

Last Saturday’s Dunkley by-election delayed the dealings but with the vote now out of the way the path is clear for an official deal to be struck between the factions.

“Essentially the Left has a majority and it believes it deserves the Secretary spot, it isn’t going to back down,” one source familiar with the factional deal told The Australian.

“It’s impossible for the Right to keep the position of state secretary, they just don’t have the numbers.” Mr Staikos declined to comment when contacted on Tuesday by The Australian.

Mr Staikos is a veteran local councillor and mayor of Kingston Council, about 20km south of Melbourne, which takes in suburbs including Mentone, Pattersons Lakes, Noble Park, Keysborough and Springvale.

Mr Staikos’ political and social values are promoted on the council’s website which describes him as “passionate about social participation, multiculturalism, the environment and the arts”. “His priority policy areas include the Green Wedge, Sandbelt Open Space – Chain of Parks project, recycling, and the delivery of more social housing,” the council states.

Sources have told The Australian that under one deal being discussed, the way would be left open for Mr Petrie to step back and resume his role as assistant state secretary. Mr Petrie has been approached for comment.

The Australian has also been told that the future of Treasurer Tim Pallas was discussed by some members at the Socialist Left executive meeting. Sources said factional members “seemed certain” in casual discussions that Mr Pallas would retire from politics after delivering the May state budget. Mr Pallas has played down speculation that he could leave politics within months.