Victoria’s Opposition Leader, Brad Battin, is set to follow in the footsteps of Premier Jacinta Allan by embarking on an eight-day trade mission to China next week, marking a significant strategic pivot for the Liberal Party as it seeks to broaden its focus beyond crime issues and strengthen its economic credentials.
Battin will be joined by shadow treasurer Jess Wilson and new frontbencher Nick McGowan, forming a delegation tasked with fostering trade relations, exploring investment opportunities, and addressing barriers to both public and private investment in Victoria. The delegation plans to visit four major Chinese cities: Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Shanghai, and Suzhou, engaging with business leaders, government officials, and investors to strengthen Victoria’s commercial ties with China.
The trade mission is widely seen as an effort to reframe the Liberal Party’s political image, after internal criticism that Battin had focused too heavily on law and order issues at the expense of economic growth. Analysts also note that the mission may serve to appeal to Chinese voters in Victoria ahead of the 2026 state election.
Premier Jacinta Allan previously undertook a week-long visit to China, during which she secured the final four tunnel boring machines (TBMs) needed for the $34.5 billion Suburban Rail Loop project and launched a new trade strategy with China, the first since Daniel Andrews’ 2016 initiative. Battin aims to build on this foundation by identifying obstacles to investment, promoting Victoria as a business destination, and establishing cooperation agreements between Victorian companies and Chinese counterparts.
Battin emphasized that the mission will focus on practical economic outcomes, including supporting both public infrastructure projects and private enterprise expansion, and positioning Victoria as a competitive and attractive destination for foreign investment. Observers suggest the mission could signal a more business-focused approach for the Victorian Liberal opposition, complementing the party’s existing policy priorities.
