By Mikayla van Loon, with AAP
Evelyn MP Bridget Vallence has assumed a new shadow minister position under the helm of newly elected state Liberal Party leader and Berwick MP Brad Battin.
Relinquishing her industry, tertiary education, skills and training, manufacturing and innovation portfolios for shadow minister of finance, trade and investment and opposition business, the announcement came on Tuesday 7 January as Mr Battin appointed his cabinet.
“It’s a privilege to serve our community and Victoria,” Ms Vallence said in a statement on social media.
“Today, I was appointed Shadow Minister for Finance, Shadow Minister for Trade and Investment, and the Manager of Opposition Business, and look forward to delivering in these significant roles under new Liberal Victoria leader Brad Battin MP.”
Croydon MP David Hodgett will continue to hold the position of shadow minister for employment and industrial relations, while taking on Ms Vallence’s former portfolio in manufacturing and innovation.
There were no changes to Eildon MP Cindy McLeish’s shadow minister positions, retaining the crime prevention, prevention of family violence and women portfolios.
It appeared that Mr Battin’s supporters in the deposition of former leader John Pesutto late last year were rewarded with higher ranking positions within his ministry, while others were demoted.
Mr Battin said, however, the moves were not linked to factional allegiances or poor performances.
“Not at all,” he said.
Mr Battin toppled Mr Pesutto after a Federal Court judge found he defamed expelled MP Moira Deeming, who was let back into the Liberal party room after almost two years of internal turmoil.
Mr Battin said his predecessor was offered a job in the shadow cabinet but declined.
“I assure you that when our alternative government is successful … on November 28 (2026) that John Pesutto will be a very strong part of that team,” he said.
Bev McArthur, one of Mr Pesutto’s main detractors, will replace him in the shadow cabinet as opposition spokeswoman for local government and government scrutiny.
Brighton MP James Newbury was handed the prized shadow treasury portfolio at the expense of Brad Rowswell, who will take over the lesser responsibilities of environment, digital transformation and public service innovation.
Ms Vallence will take over from Mr Newbury who had held the position of manager of opposition business in the lower house.
New deputy leader Sam Groth, who quit Mr Pesutto’s shadow cabinet before thrusting his support behind Mr Battin, will add shadow minister of state to his responsibilities.
Former state leader Matthew Guy has been tasked with heading up the new portfolio of “transition to government” before the 2026 state poll.
