BARTON DEAKIN ANNOUNCEMENT

SUBJECT: VICTORIAN ELECTION BRIEF

DATE: 30 NOVEMBER 2010

Victorian Election Brief (331 KB)

Significant Win

The election of a Liberal / Coalition Government underscores a significant change to the political landscape which has implications for organisations which are already doing business in Victoria, as well as those who are seeking to expand their operations into Victoria.

It will also have significant ramifications for the interaction between the Federal Government and State Governments around the country, with indications some key agreements struck between the Prime Minister and the previous Premier are not likely to have continued support from the new Government. It also means the Federal Government will now have to contend with two Coalition Governments – WA and VIC – as well as the likelihood that NSW will have a Coalition Government post the March 2011 election.

The New Government

The new Government is expected to be sworn in by the end of the week and it is understood that Parliament is likely to be recalled prior to Christmas. Premier Ted Baillieu will be Victoria’s 46^th Premier.

Barton Deakin can now provide you with a list of the new MPs and a brief introduction on the key people behind the victory. Barton Deakin will also provide a further update, inlcuding a list of the new Cabinet, over the coming days. It is anticipated that the new Cabinet will closely follow the existing Shadow Cabinet, so the corporate memory of each of the former Shadow Ministers will be brought to their Ministry.

Election Results

At the time of writing just two seats remain in doubt: Ballarat East and Eltham. While the result is still far too close to call, on the latest data the ABC are allocating both seats to the ALP despite the efforts of the Liberal candidates Councillor Ben Taylor in Ballarat East and Businessman Andrew Hart in Eltham.

The result at this election for the National Party is its best since 1985. The 10 seats held by the Nationals were critical to delivering power to the Coalition. In one key seat, Gippsland East, the Nationals candidate Tim Bull recorded an almost 27% swing, the highest swing to any MP in this election.

The Victorian Electoral Commission prioritised the counting of Legislative Assembly (Lower House) votes so the Legislative Council (Upper House) result is still unclear. In Victoria, five MLCs are elected to represent each of the eight regions, giving a total of 40 MLCs.   The Greens look to have secured two positions; the Coalition 18 and the ALP 16 with four positions still uncertain.

The new Liberal / National MPs are:

Among the highest profile casualties for ALP was former Olympian Kirstie Marshall.  All of the defeated MPs had served at least eight years in the Victorian Parliament.

People to watch:

Ted Bailleu MLA – Premier-elect

Ted Baillieu was elected unopposed as Leader of the Liberal Party in 2006 and has been the quiet achiever for the Coalition since then, achieving a swing to the Coalition in the 2006 election, which strengthened the parties’ position at this election. He has strong community links and has made it clear that his priority in government will be the issues that most affect individuals and families: law and order, controlling cost of living issues and reliable transport.

Prior to entering Parliament, Ted was a Board Member of Tourism Victoria and a Trustee of the Melbourne Convention Centre Trust.

Ted is married with three children and lives in Hawthorn.

The Hon Louise Asher MLA – Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party

Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party, Louise Asher is a very experienced politician and is well respected in the Victorian business community.  Prior to entering parliament Louise worked as a Research & Government Affairs Officer for the Victorian Credit Co-Operative Association as well as working as a Senior Policy Advisor for the NSW Minister for Health and the NSW Attorney-General, Peter Collins.

Louise is likely to hold onto the key portfolios of Urban Water, Small Business, Tourism & Major Events and Women's Affairs. She lives in the Brighton electorate with her husband Ron.

Peter Ryan MLA – Deputy Premier and Leader of the National Party

Peter Ryan has led the Parliamentary National Party in VIC since 1999. The Deputy Premier elect has identified as a priority in the first 100 days of office the implement the $1bn Regional Growth Fund will which will aid councils with the upgrade of regional roads and bridges.

Peter has publicly stated that his passion for politics is based on a belief that every person is entitled to a fair go. He is likely to retain the Regional Development, Major Projects, Innovation, WorkCover, Gaming and Attorney-General portfolios.

He's married to Trish and they have three children, Sarah, James and Julian.

Tony Nutt – VIC Liberal Party State Director

Tony Nutt is widely respected in Liberal Party circles for his versatility, his strategic vision and his ability to get things done. Prior to being appointed as State Director of the Liberal Party in VIC in May 2008, Tony served as Chief of Staff to the then Prime Minister, Hon John Howard. He has run the NSW and SA Divisions of the Party and his experience in the Federal sphere uniquely positioned him to unite the Victorian Liberals.

The strong performance by the Liberal Party at this election has prompted speculation that Tony may well be approached to lead the Federal Liberal Party in the future.

Luke O’Sullivan - VIC National Party State Director

Luke O’Sullivan is a very experienced campaigner who played a leading strategic role in the shaping and delivery of the Nationals campaign. As such, he must take significant credit for the very strong results recorded by the Nationals in regional Victoria. The most significant result for the Nationals was the defeat of Craig Ingram, the only Independent in the Legislative Assembly in Victoria, in the seat of East Gippsland with a decisive swing of almost 27% to the Nationals.