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Jess Wilson Names Herself Shadow Treasurer in Victorian Liberal Frontbench Overhaul

The overhaul consolidates control of the economic portfolio under the new leader to sharpen the opposition’s pitch ahead of the 2026 vote.

Overview

  • Wilson confirmed she will concurrently serve as opposition leader and shadow treasurer, saying she is best placed to drive the Coalition’s economic message.
  • Former leader Brad Battin returned to the frontbench as police and corrections spokesman in what Wilson cast as a role suited to his policing background.
  • Richard Riordan was dumped from the ministry, while key ally Brad Rowswell was promoted to education and industrial relations alongside government services.
  • Deputy leader Sam Groth kept his position with a new focus on major events, sport, tourism and trade investment, relinquishing public transport, ports and freight.
  • John Pesutto remained excluded as he deals with a defamation case involving Moira Deeming and a party loan for legal costs, while Bev McArthur was installed to lead the upper house.