Council
15 January, 2025
South west MPs winners in shadow cabinet reshuffle
SOUTH west Victorian MPs were among the big winners in the new-look Shadow Cabinet after John Pesutto was ousted from leadership.
Brad Battin replaced Mr Pesutto in a contentious December 27 leadership spill, which saw the conservative branch of the Victorian Liberals emerge successful.
Lowan MP Emma Kealy, the deputy leader of The Nationals, retained both the coveted Shadow Minister for Agriculture portfolio and the role of Shadow Minister for Mental Health.
Member for South West Coast Roma Britnell retained her portfolios as Shadow Minister for Roads and Freight and Child Protection but did not retain the Boating and Fishing portfolio (now Bill Tilley MP) under an expanded cabinet.
Polwarth MP Richard Riordan was named Shadow Minister for Planning while also retaining Shadow Minister for Housing portfolio.
Western Victoria MP Joe McCracken was named Shadow Cabinet Secretary, while Bev McArthur emerged as perhaps the biggest winner with her elevated to the cabinet with two portfolios – Shadow Minister for Local Government and Shadow Minister for Scrutiny of Government.
Mrs McArthur said she was “delighted” with the appointment, vowing to be part of a unified Coalition ready to demonstrate it can provide a “motivated and capable alternative government (which is) ready to serve”.
“Labor’s wasteful, entitled attitude to Victorians’ hard-won taxes is sickening,” she said.
“Their active distaste for the investors and business owners who risk savings and dedicate their lives to creating jobs and generating prosperity is shameful, short-sighted, and deeply damaging to our economy.
“Sadly, this dismissiveness goes beyond profligacy with our taxes.
“Labor’s contempt for our democratic safeguards means accountability in Victoria is at an all-time low.”
Mrs McArthur said the local government portfolio provided an opportunity for the Coalition to offer an alternative based on real reform.
“We need a revolution in openness, transparency and accountability, which once again dedicates local government to the service of its ratepayers and communities, rather than ever-expanding, self-serving bureaucracy,” she said.
“As a former local councillor, I am keenly aware of the problems surrounding the impact of state government cost-shifting, as well as the temptation for councils to venture well beyond their essential remit.
“Local Government should do less, but do it better.
“In the coming months I will be taking advice and seeking to develop policies which enable councils to operate with a commitment to transparency, and a relentless focus on service delivery and ratepayer value.”
Mr Battin said the new-look Shadow Cabinet would set about on the “clear mission” of ending wasteful spending, getting the basics right, and governing for all.
“The Liberals and Nationals stand ready to listen, lead, and restore fairness and opportunity for all,” he said.
“For a decade, Labor has left families from the regions to the suburbs high and dry when it comes to cost of living and accessing quality healthcare, transport and schools.
“Victorians want responsible politicians who get the basics right, don’t waste their money, and plan ahead for future Victorians - that is what my alternative government will deliver.”
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