By Danielle Kutchel
A tilt at the leadership of the Victorian Liberal Party by Gembrook MP Brad Battin has failed.
Rumours swirled on Monday 15 March that Mr Battin would be moving to put his hand up as leader of the Victorian Opposition, against current leader Michael O’Brien.
According to reports, on Tuesday 16 March around a third of MPs supported a motion to spill the leadership.
But ultimately, Mr Battin’s challenge was defeated by 22 votes to nine.
Speaking to media after the event, Mr Battin said he had decided to move against the party leader because he believed he had a “good resume, a positive resume and a positive vibe throughout my electorate”, that could support his leadership ambitions.
“I had confidence in the feedback of people I’ve spoken to who do support the fact that I’ve got a positive resume going forward, and I’ll continue to make sure I’m the voice for the community I represent as well as a strong voice in a team.”
He said the result of the spill motion should end “speculation about what’s happening in the Victorian Liberal Party”.
“Today, that must stop,” he said.
“We must respect the decision of the party room that was put forward, and that decision was well and truly there to support Michael O’Brien going forward.”
He refused to be drawn on any future attempts to oust Mr O’Brien, insisting the party had drawn “a line in the sand” and now needed to focus on its aim of getting back into government.
The longstanding Gembrook MP insisted the failure of the challenge was “not an embarrassment” and said he had no regrets about the move.
“You have lots of lessons in life, but no regrets.”
Asked what those lessons were, he said the party now had a chance to put in place its position in the lead up to the 2022 state election.
Mr Battin said he remained “very committed” to working to get Premier Daniel Andrews out of power.
“I want to be part of a team going forward. I thought at the time my resume was a strong resume that could lead in the future – at the moment, that’s not the position of the party room. I respect that.
“This is an opportunity for the party room to get back together and reassess where we are.
“I’ll continue to fight to do what we need to do to get into government in 2022.
“We have a great opportunity to reset and get the message out there that we are the voice of the people.”
Mr Battin refused to rule out whether he would one day be Premier.
“I won’t rule anything out on that. I’m still young, and hopefully I’ve got a long time left in politics.
“I don’t think any person in the world could rule out wanting to be a leader and having ambition.”
Late on Tuesday 16 March, Mr Battin resigned from his positions as Opposition spokesman for roads, youth justice and community safety.
He said this is “protocol” after challenging a leader, but pledged to continue working on areas close to his heart.
“I’ll continue to work as tirelessly as I can particularly in youth justice and mental health. They’re important to me,” the Gembrook MP said.
