Victoria’s Opposition Leader Jess Wilson has revealed a major reshuffle of the Liberal Party’s frontbench, vowing that her newly assembled “winning team” will unite the party and sharpen its focus just one year out from the 2026 state election.
Wilson, who will continue serving as shadow treasurer, has doubled down on her economic credentials as state debt is forecast to surge to $194 billion by 2028-29. Her decision to retain the treasury role is a rare move in Victorian politics, but Wilson insists she is the “best person” to manage the state’s finances and prepare the Liberals for government.
Battin returns, Pesutto sidelined
Former leader Brad Battin, ousted by Wilson in a leadership spill two weeks ago, has been handed the police and corrections portfolio. The appointment was widely viewed as an olive branch designed to stabilise the party after years of internal conflict. Wilson praised Battin’s background as a former police officer, calling the match “right”.
But another former leader, John Pesutto, has again been left on the outer. Senior Liberal figures reportedly warned Wilson against reinstating him until the Supreme Court finalises its investigation into the $1.55 million loan he owes the party.
Winners and losers in the reshuffle
David Southwick will move from police and corrections into planning, housing and building, while conservative MP Richard Riordan has been pushed to the backbench. Rising conservative Renee Heath is among the biggest winners, taking on youth justice, crime prevention, victim support and a new bay protection portfolio.
Brad Rowswell, previously demoted under Battin, has been promoted to shadow education minister as his close alliance with Wilson strengthens. James Newbury will remain shadow attorney-general and add the role of shadow special minister of state.
Former leader Matthew Guy will shift to public transport and ports and freight. Nicole Werner, a prominent social media figure, has lost youth justice but gained the portfolio for home ownership and housing affordability, while retaining youth and children.
Labor launches counterattack
As Wilson introduced her new frontbench, Premier Jacinta Allan energised Labor supporters at a rally marking one year until the state election. Speaking just hours after the Metro Tunnel’s official opening, Allan attacked the Liberals for claiming the project would “never exist”.
She urged supporters to “get out there” across Victoria to secure a fourth consecutive term for Labor, arguing that the election will determine the future of schools, hospitals, safety and public services.
Deputy Premier Ben Carroll targeted Wilson directly, saying she had already “vowed to cut $11.1 billion” from the state budget but refused to explain where the cuts would fall. He warned that essential services could be slashed under a Liberal government.
Wilson confident heading into election season
Wilson said her reshaped frontbench was selected on merit rather than political deals. She argued that repairing the budget is essential to improving healthcare, reducing crime and increasing police numbers.
“The team I have put forward is the team we are taking to the next election,” she said.
