Brad Battin hires new media boss – the sixth of Vic Libs in last five years

Victorian Liberal leader Brad Battin has appointed a former adviser to federal MP Dan Tehan as his new media chief, as the party faces a downward trend in polling and internal turmoil.

Opposition leader Brad Battin has hired a new media boss, the Victorian Liberal Party’s sixth in the last five years.

Byron Vale, a former adviser to federal MP Dan Tehan, will begin in the role on August 18.

He is the husband of The Age’s former state political editor Annika Smethurst.

Mr Vale joins the party at a turbulent time, amid a downward trend in polling, and numerous internal issues.

They include the ongoing feud between the party’s administrative committee over the $1.55m loan to Hawthorn MP John Pesutto to save him from bankruptcy proceedings.

Leader of the opposition, Brad Battin has hired his fifth media chief. Picture: Nadir Kinani

Mr Battin’s office has been working to implement a firm election strategy as next year’s state election in which it needs to win 16 seats, and lose none, to form government.

If it succeeds it would be just the second time since 1999 it has held government in this state.

If it loses, it would see Labor clinch a historic fourth consecutive term, and a 16 year reign over the state.

Mr Vale replaces former media director Dom Raff who abruptly left the office last month.

He had been in the role seven months, joining the office after Mr Battin successfully challenged Mr Pesutto for the leadership.

Originally published as Brad Battin hires new media boss – the sixth of Vic Libs in last five years