He had just completed the party’s major economic and fiscal plan, which, pending approval by shadow cabinet, would have set out the party’s budgetary and economic ambitions for next year’s election.
Instead, that task will fall to Wilson, a former Business Council of Australia executive and adviser to former federal treasurer Josh Frydenberg.
James Newbury has been dumped from his prized treasury portfolio to make way for Jess Wilson.Credit: Wayne Taylor
Wilson’s elevation to the second most senior job in opposition was welcomed by her supporters within the party. “Every serious commentator, not to mention business and industry, has noticed the lack of economic focus and narrative,” said one. “If anyone is going to smash that, it is Jess Wilson.”
However, the broader reshuffle was widely viewed by party figures, speaking anonymously to be frank about internal issues, as creating more problems than it solved.
A senior member of the Liberal party room noted the risk inherent for Battin. “He should be very careful demoting his friends and promoting his enemies.
“The problem with making any major changes is that you just piss people off.”
A Pesutto supporter expressed frustration at Battin’s decision to leave one of his most experienced and talented MPs lingering on the backbench.
“He is not trying to unify the party. If he was trying to unify the party he would put John in.”
Britnell confirmed she learnt on Friday of her demotion.
“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,” she said.
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Newbury may be offered the role of manager of opposition business to soften the blow of losing treasury, while Matthew Guy will add to his current portfolio of transport with responsibility for major projects, a portfolio currently held by Evan Mulholland, one of the party’s hardest-working MPs and the only moderate member of the leadership team.
Mulholland will be promoted to Education spokesman.
This change will make Guy, a former party leader, the opposition spokesperson for the Suburban Rail Loop. Although the Liberal Party ostensibly opposes building the first stage of the SRL, Guy conceded in August that it would be too far progressed by next November not to complete.
Battin spent Friday afternoon informing Liberal MPs about the changes and is expected to confirm his new frontbench and their portfolio responsibilities at a press conference on Saturday morning.
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