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Liberal MPs, speaking anonymously to be frank about internal issues, described the changes as a “bunker-type reshuffle” that had its own set of risks to Battin’s leadership, when the opposition’s popularity has already fallen away in the polls.
“He’s pissed everyone off,” one said.
Insiders said Battin had told colleagues on Friday he was promoting Joe McCracken to the frontbench, but instead held him as cabinet secretary and brought in McGowan.
Battin did not dispute he had initially offered McCracken the promotion but said all his conversations with colleagues were confidential.
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Some MPs said they were yet to hear from Battin, who told reporters he had spoken to those affected “and I’ve got more phone calls to make”.
Battin said he would take this frontbench into the election and insisted he would still be leader by November 2026.
He used the term “fresh start” 11 times in Saturday’s press conference.
“We’re trying to bring in a skill set and some enthusiasm that can hold the government to account and ensure that we have the policies that Victorians can trust,” Battin said. “We need less taxes, less waste and lower crime. It is so important that we get on top of these things for Victoria to get that fresh start.”
New frontbencher Welch becomes spokesman for jobs, industry, and industrial relations, and manufacturing and innovation.
Welch said he was grateful to Battin for bringing in “new blood” and that Victoria needed new ideas.
Werner after she retained the seat of Warrandyte for the Liberals in a 2023 byelection.Credit: Luis Ascui
“This is a state that is, in a sense, directionless on industry policy, directionless on manufacturing,” he said.
“We have a treasurer whose highest economic objective in this state is to simply stabilise debt. It’s not providing any direction to business.”
Werner was promoted to shadow minister for youth justice, youth and future leaders, and children, which includes child protection.
She said she heard from constituents about crime every day, and was humbled and honoured to take up the responsibilities to give young Victorians excitement and hope for the future.
McGowan will hold the community services and victim support portfolios.
Labor won Ringwood with a 7.5 per cent margin after the distribution of preferences at the 2022 election, which McGowan described as “Everest without oxygen”. The Liberal Party has previously held the seat but was stripped of it by voters at the 2018 “Danslide”.
“I’ve never been one to shy away from risk, so no, I embrace risk. I’m not afraid of losing, but I’m absolutely fighting to win,” McGowan said.
“We’ve got to have the right mindset. There’s a lot of serious issues in Victoria. Unless we’re all prepared to come together as a team to do the hard yards and actually take on Labor in their heartland and in seats that we think we should hold – we should be holding a whole range of seats in the eastern suburbs, which frankly we would represent better than are being represented today.”
Britnell, who supported Battin in the December leadership change, was demoted to the backbench.
“It is not what I would have chosen, and I am very disappointed, but Brad as the leader of the party has the right to choose who he wants in the shadow cabinet,” Britnell told The Age on Friday afternoon.
Britnell’s ports and freight portfolio went to deputy leader Sam Groth, who added public transport and aviation but lost major events and tourism.
Former leader Matthew Guy becomes opposition spokesman for major projects and transition to government, while deputy upper house leader Evan Mulholland moves to education.
Former leader John Pesutto was left in exile on the backbench.
The full shadow cabinet after Saturday’s announcementBrad Battin: Leader of the Liberal Party/ppposition.Danny O’Brien: Leader of The Nationals; deputy leader of the Coalition; shadow minister for regional development and liveability; emergency services; roads and road safety.Sam Groth: Deputy leader of the Liberal Party/opposition; shadow minister for public transport; ports and freight; aviation.Emma Kealy: Deputy leader of the Nationals; shadow minister for agriculture; mental health.David Davis: Leader of opposition in the upper house; shadow minister for energy and resources; arts and creative industries.Evan Mulholland: Deputy leader of the opposition in the upper house; shadow minister for education; multicultural and multi-faith affairs.Brad Rowswell: Shadow minister for small and family business; CBD revitalisation; government services and digital transformation.Matthew Guy: Shadow minister for major projects; transition to government.David Southwick: Shadow minister for police and corrections; crime prevention.Cindy McLeish: Shadow minister for women; prevention of family violence; environment.Bridget Vallence: Shadow minister for finance; trade and investment; WorkSafe and TAC.Tim Bull: Shadow minister for disability, ageing, carers and volunteers; racing; veterans affairs.Richard Welch: Shadow minister for jobs, industry and industrial relations; manufacturing and innovation.James Newbury: Manager of opposition business; shadow attorney-general; shadow minister for equality; anti-corruption.Jess Wilson: Shadow treasurer.Tim McCurdy: Shadow minister for water; gaming and liquor; consumer affairs.Richard Riordan: Shadow minister for planning and housing; tourism, sport, events and hospitality.Nicole Werner: Shadow minister for youth justice; youth and future leaders; children.Nick McGowan: Shadow minister for community services; victim support.Georgie Crozier: Shadow minister for health.Melina Bath: Leader of the Nationals in the upper house; shadow minister for public land management; Aboriginal affairs.Bev McArthur: Shadow minister for local government; government waste.Joe McCracken: Cabinet secretary.
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