Which Labor and Coalition MPs are making the grade and which have more homework to do
From D-minus ministers to rising star MPs, Victoria’s political powerbrokers have been graded on their performance one year out from the state election. Here’s who has more homework to do.
They’re the most important Victorian MPs who decide how to spend state revenue of $110 billion a year. James Campbell and Matt Johnston run the rule over key members of Jacinta Allan’s cabinet and their Coalition counterparts to see who is making the grade and who has more homework to do.
State cabinet - Labor
Jacinta Allan – Premier
GRADE: C
Two years after she took over from Daniel Andrews, political insiders say Allan has still to show she will be more than a placeholder premier. Until recently, her critics accused her of lacking authority over her cabinet, pointing to the delay implementing the protest face mask ban she promised after the Adass Israel arson attack. This complaint has been heard less since Allan unveiled a crackdown on youth crime, which included potential life-sentences for a range of offences. The move stunned Left wing colleagues, shocked at the whatever-it-takes attitude, but has yet to deliver a poll bounce. A year out the Premier’s biggest problem is her personal unpopularity, with a net approval rating in the Herald Sun’s most recent Freshwater poll at minus 28. Unless this improves, there will be speculation that Labor will move on her – though time is running out for the plotters. Seems to be second-guessing herself at times. Unlike her predecessor, she impresses better up-close-and-personal than she does on TV. Happiest in a hard hat or cutting the ribbon on an infrastructure project.
Ben Carroll – Deputy Premier, Education, TAC, WorkSafe
GRADE: B
Ben Carroll’s desire to replace Allan is an open secret in Spring St and had a lot to do with his decision to play the law-and-order hardman. His supporters will say it was his advocacy which drove the “adult time for violent crime” crackdown by Allan. Even if he never gets to the big chair Carroll should still be remembered as a reforming education minister for forcing the teaching of phonics in primary schools and limiting the amount of time kids can spend on electronic devices to 90 minutes a day – both of which were opposed by the teachers’ union. It has taken time for the sector to warm to Carroll, perhaps because of the way he has forced through changes and its affection for another former deputy premier, James Merlino. Carroll has kept his focus on the basics, and while the VCE testing crisis engulfed his early months in the role, that appears to have been resolved. Will find it harder if a dispute over teacher pay heats up.
Jaclyn Symes – Treasurer, Industrial Relations, Regional Development, Leader of the Government in the Legislative Council
GRADE: C-
Jaclyn Symes has yet to overcome industry and business suspicions she is out of her depth, amid concerns the state’s economy is on a road to nowhere. Despite promises to cut spending and reassess priorities has yet to show how this will be realistically achieved. It took six months to release a report on public service numbers by former Department of Premier and cabinet boss Helen Silver and Symes and the premier dodged many of the recommendations. The state debt crisis has meant Symes has had to spend time calming the ratings agencies as evidenced by her recent trip to New York. She has promised to end the Pallas-era practice of hiding unannounced spending but has yet to demonstrate this will happen. She has aalsosp introduced new taxes that have angered the business community which claims they are a giant handbrake on the economy.
Sonya Kilkenny – Attorney-General, Planning
GRADE: D
Insiders say Sonya Kilkenny struggles to make planning decisions and is overly influenced by her department and the premier’s office. Colleagues across factions say she has too much on her plate, splitting time between two key portfolios – while noting that Bracks and Brumby loaded up trusted ministers with planning on top of other responsibilities. More recently Kilkenny has wielded powers to fast-track major developments that steamrolled the community and has ticked boxes for Allan’s housing agenda. Kilkenny has been a liability on the Attorney-General front, when the government has been crying out for strong law and order responses to a genuine crisis. Recent legislative promises to tackle youth crime with adult jail time and to introduce harsher penalties for serious offences suggests she has either been convinced to get with the program, or been pushed aside by the premier.
Mary-Anne Thomas – Health, Ambulance Services, Leader of the House
GRADE: B-
If Mary-Anne Thomas were a cricketer she’d be the nightwatchman, sent out when the job is to avoid getting out. She has been there a while but only really came into her own after Andrews, who had been a health minister, left the scene. She’s seen as sympathetic to the sector’s needs. She backed down or was forced to back down on plans to force hospitals to better account for spending decisions and rein in costs, after a painful campaign against the belt tightening. Thomas tried to amalgamate health networks, but had to water down a plan to force through mergers after the premier became concerned about a backlash outside Melbourne. She never blinks in the face of criticism but has a tendency to default to denials until announcements are made that demonstrate something was, indeed, actually wrong.
Gabrielle Williams – Transport Infrastructure, Public and Active Transport
GRADE: B-
Gabrielle Williams is the Left faction minister most likely to replace Allan if the caucus turned on the premier, but unpopular among the party’s Right. Allan has given Williams a job that has raised her public profile as an assistant ribbon-cutter as jewels in the Big Build crown wrap up. The Premier has not, however, put her in charge of the government’s top priority, the $35 billion Suburban Rail Loop. Williams has been kept busy at the tail end of the highest spending infrastructure boom in the state’s history, which has had massive cost overruns that were largely announced before her time in the job. Industry has raised questions about projects required to fill a construction pipeline that has more space to move than in previous years – while noting the SRL is not in her portfolio.
Lizzie Blandthorn – Children and Disability, Deputy Leader Upper House
GRADE: D-
Lizzie Blandthorn oversees child protection and early education – both of which have been gripped by crisis and dysfunction. Blandthorn was Bill Shorten’s least favourite state minister when he was seeking agreement from the states to cut federal spending on the NDIS by shifting early childhood intervention back to the states. Critics – and there are a few – highlight her propensity to go missing at critical times, best symbolised by being absent from the chamber when questions about reforms to the state’s Working With Children Check were being asked. This contributes to fears her portfolio might blow up in an election year and she will be a liability for Allan.
Anthony Carbines – Police, Community Safety, Victims, and Racing
GRADE: C-
Anthony Carbines has appeared to be at sixes and sevens throughout the crime crisis. He contradicted the premier early this year when downplaying a review of bail laws, at a time he insisted he had “plenty of stuff in the bottom drawer that I can pull out that will hold offenders to account”. Has been a consistent voice internally on toughening legislation which has displeased left wing colleagues. Scored a win alongside fellow right wing ministers when Allan later u-turned. Senior police and colleagues question whether he is more interested in his other portfolio – racing – but he’s hardly the first minister to have that charge levelled at him. Has made it clear he will back Chief Commissioner Mike Bush in his attempts to make senior police do more work.
Lily D’Ambrosio – Climate Action, Energy and Resources, SEC
GRADE: D
Lily D’Ambrosio is a powerful Left faction figure who has a history of getting her way. She has fought a war on “fossil gas” that sparked intervention from the premier to douse electoral flames slowly spreading. D’Ambrosio is still fighting in the Labor trenches for more climate action, and has a reputation as one of the most ideological ministers in Australia. Having been in the job for a decade, the consequences of her decisions on energy are now before us. Even so, D’Ambrosio has a tendency to blame her predecessors – even back to the Kennett era – for some of the state’s energy problems, so it’s apt that she is in charge of the token SEC. She’s relentless and passionate, but some colleagues hope she will head for the exit shortly given next year will be her 24th in parliament.
Steve Dimopoulos – Environment, Tourism, Sport and Major Events
GRADE: B
Steve Dimopoulos has shown energy and enthusiasm in his role, and would be happy to hear internal critics say he’s too focused on attending events and swanning around town as the minister for fun. He’s occasionally accused of focusing too much on the large-scale events at the expense of the steady but less glamorous local tourism money spinners. He’s less effective in the environment portfolio where D’Ambrosio still dominates. Dimopoulos also has a tendency to turn into a cheer squad internally rather than consider serious criticisms, but he wouldn’t be alone there. His factional enemies say “Dimmo” is also Dan Andrews’s preferred candidate in the event of a leadership change.
Danny Pearson – Economic Growth and Jobs, Finance
GRADE: C-
Danny Pearson was once seen as the next treasurer and even a future leader – until he squibbed his chance to take the Treasury reins. Now regarded as semi-detached from the government and could be eyeing an exit next November. His economic portfolios could have made him central to decision making – as well has his position as co-ordinating minister in the crucial Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions – but the view is he has been peripheral. Quick with a zinger and often trots out to take a whack at the opposition, but has faced his fair share of internal criticism, only some of which is factional.
Harriet Shing – Suburban Rail Loop, Housing and Building, Development Victoria and Precincts
GRADE: C
Harriet Shing is a Dan Andrews uber loyalist who initially struggled to find her place under Allan, but is now a trusted ally, who argues forcefully internally they should stick with the leader despite bad polling. Allan has shown her faith in Shing’s administrative abilities by putting her in charge of the government’s most important and costly project, the Suburban Rail Loop. She has relished the role, defiantly arguing its value. Is sometimes accused of being more spin than substance, especially on social housing and precincts. Can stare down the barrel of a camera and tell Victorians the sky is yellow, or that the Suburban Rail Loop will be delivered on time and on budget, without blinking.
Shadow cabinet - Coalition
Jess Wilson – Opposition Leader, Shadow Treasurer
GRADE: B-
Jess Wilson impressed her colleagues enough in the brief time she was shadow treasurer for them to make her leader and kept the portfolio in her first shadow cabinet. Has the intellect to be premier, something which her supporters say Brad Battin could never convince his colleagues.
She’s a former staffer to federal treasurer Josh Frydenberg and was a one-time net zero expert at the Business Council of Australia. Wilson is better connected to senior Liberals and the business community than her predecessor. She’s only been in parliament three years, which has led to doubters like Jeff Kennett expressing their uncertainty about whether she is ready. Gives the impression she wants it, however, and is driven to succeed – but at 35, looks and sounds young. Whether this is an asset against Jacinta Allan, only time will tell.
Danny O’Brien – Nationals Leader, deputy Coalition Leader, Regional Development and Liveability, Emergency Services, Roads and Road Safety
GRADE: B-
Danny O’Brien has been energetic since he replaced – unopposed – the veteran Nats leader Peter Walsh. He is running hard on the terrible condition of regional roads and this is cutting through. Is also campaigning on the CFA and emergency services more broadly, travelling far and wide around Victoria. He’s keen to highlight the gap between city and country spending but still works well with the Libs. Colleagues worry when frustrated he gives the impression he might give politics away but his public comments suggest he wants to stay in the fight to be the next deputy premier.
James Newbury – Shadow Attorney-General, Equality, Anti-Corruption, Manager of Opposition Business
GRADE: C-
By making himself central to both Battin and now Wilson’s ascension to the leadership, James Newbury has shown he has overcome widespread suspicions he is an inveterate intriguer. Is more likely to make an impact in his current job than he did in the Shadow Treasury role. He’s hardworking, but can get sidetracked and is prone to stepping on his colleagues’ toes. He has improved his media sales and delivery, but still gives the impression at times that there is more sales than substance. Expected to be the main Liberal attack dog next year.
Evan Mulholland – Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council, Transport Infrastructure, Multicultural and Multifaith Affairs
GRADE: C+
Evan Mulholland is a hard worker who has brought a youthful enthusiasm to his roles, which recently shifted from major projects to education. He’s returned to transport infrastructure under Wilson, and needs to help shape a wider narrative on building and major projects in Victoria rather than just attack blowouts and issues in Labor’s agenda. If the Liberal Party improves its vote in the northern suburbs of Melbourne, it will be largely due to Mulholland, who has engaged with multicultural communities and shown a genuine passion for spreading the Liberal agenda rather than being boxed into familiar territory.
Brad Rowswell – Education, Industrial Relations, Government Services
GRADE: C-
Brad Rowswell had little impact as shadow treasurer and was shifted to a less exposed portfolio under Battin. He was one of the key organisers of the coup that replaced Battin with Wilson, which colleagues say occupied a significant amount of his time. He has since been rewarded with major portfolios including education, as well as the important area of government services. The only way is up for Rowswell who has promise and will be a key member of Wilson’s team. Will need to help convince Victorians that the coalition has a winning plan for schools and for workplaces that can fend off predictable Labor attacks.
Bev McArthur – Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council, Local Government, Small Business
GRADE: C-
Bev McArthur is a veteran conservative agitator who has been a thorn in the side of every Liberal leader since she was elected in 2018 at the age of 69. Despite her mature entry into parliamentary life, McArthur works harder than some colleagues who are half her age. Now in a leadership position, colleagues are hoping she can be a force for stability and unity and help the Coalition prepare for the 2026 election. She has been criticised for focusing too narrowly on Liberal heartlands at times, and of going rogue with unauthorised missives to the media on subjects that are not within her portfolio.
Emma Kealy – Deputy Nationals Leader, Agriculture, Mental Health
GRADE: C+
Emma Kealy is a tireless advocate for the bush and its people, and gains internal recognition for hard work and loyalty to the party. She’s viewed in parliament as a scrapper for the Nats, but within the party as more of a mother hen. Has had questions raised over her judgement at times, but has given her all to the mental health portfolio that she has held for many years. Focuses on real issues and the personal side of the portfolios, but it’s at times unclear how much of that resonates more broadly in seats that the Coalition needs to win.
Brad Battin – Police and Corrections
GRADE: D
Brad Battin has won the gratitude of the partyroom for the dignified way in which he behaved since he was decapitated by younger colleagues. He clawed his way back to a better polling position, largely off the back of prosecuting a strong law and order agenda. However, his inability to broaden his messaging held him back, and was unable to convince his colleagues he would be able to master the machinery of government. Battin rolled John Pesutto for the job late in 2024, after cobbling together support from conservative and moderate factions in a marriage of convenience that proved temporary. He spent much of his time as leader trying and failing to placate internal critics. He was forced to reshuffle his frontbench to shift the economic narrative and stave off a leadership challenge, but inadvertently hastened his demise.
David Davis – Energy and Resources, Arts and Creative Industrie
GRADE: C-
Does the wily old fox David Davis still have the drive he once did in opposition, when he would regularly take it up to ministers and premiers with cunning attacks and traps? Critics say no, but Davis is certainly across his brief as much as any other shadow minister. He can still land a punch, but it will be interesting to see whether the loss of his beloved position as upper house leader, along with his driver, prompts him to head for the exit. He’s attacked hard on energy but is yet to show much detail about what the Coalition would do differently to Labor to avert any pain during an inevitable energy transition that includes the shutdown of coal-fired power plants.
Georgie Crozier – Health, Ambulance Services, Medical Research
GRADE: B-
For many years, Georgie Crozier has been a go-to Liberal for complaints about the government, including whistleblowers in the health sector. She was damaged internally by the Pesutto-Deeming affair, but has continued to deliver decent attacks on government failures on paramedics, hospitals, and the broader healthcare sector. She’s viewed as a hard-worker who doesn’t tire and an energiser bunny, but colleagues have noted she has “had the shits” since the Pesutto and Deeming crisis erupted and derailed party room focus. Crozier doesn’t take a step back internally and tells people what she thinks. She gets more hits on the government than most of her colleagues, albeit often in the upper house.
David Southwick – Planning, Housing and Building
GRADE: C
David Southwick had performed well in police and corrections, while also dealing with the anti-Semitism crisis that rocked his community and seat of Caulfield. He was dropped from the law and order portfolio by Wilson, out of the necessity of finding something suitable for Battin, a former cop. Southwick gives his all, but critics question how much of what he puts out is actually landing. He struggles to deliver strong messages and doesn’t always pull the right rein when it comes to communicating, and was enormously damaged internally by taping colleagues during the Pessuto-Deeming crisis.
Matthew Guy – Public Transport, Ports and Freight
Grade: C-
Matthew Guy is a former leader who Battin asked to prepare the Coalition team for transition to government, but was later stripped of that task by Wilson. With the looming departure of Michael O’Brien, Kim Wells, and David Hodgett, Guy would be the most senior former minister alongside David Davis if the Coalition wins next year. But, it remains up in the air whether Guy will stand next year. If he is staying, he will likely be given an important spending portfolio in the next government. He’s passionate about transport and remains one of the Liberals’ best communicators, but has shown less passion than in previous terms; perhaps relentless bruising encounters with Dan Andrews took a toll.
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Originally published as Which Labor and Coalition MPs are making the grade and which have more homework to do
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