Riordan scores new Shadow Cabinet role

POLWARTH Liberal MP Richard Riordan has a new job in Victoria’s Shadow Cabinet, appointed as the Shadow Minister for Tourism, Sport, Events and Hospitality in a reshuffle last weekend.

Mr Riordan said the new portfolio – formerly held by new Minister for Public Transport, Ports and Freight and Aviation Sam Groth – gave him an enhanced platform to champion the industries that are central to the south west’s prosperity.

He remains as Shadow Minister for Planning and Housing, a role he was appointed to earlier this year.

As part of the Shadow Cabinet, Mr Riordan will now lead the Opposition’s response to the challenges and opportunities facing Victoria’s tourism, sport and hospitality industries.

Mr Riordan said his new responsibilities aligned directly with his long-standing advocacy for Victoria’s south-west, and his focus will be on cutting red tape, improving infrastructure, and supporting the events calendar that brings people and jobs to the region.

“Tourism and events are the lifeblood of our regional economy. This portfolio will allow me to speak up more directly for the communities and businesses of the south-west that depend on these sectors, ensuring they have a voice at the highest levels.”

“From international visitors on the Great Ocean Road, to grassroots sporting clubs in our small towns, I want to ensure our region doesn’t just recover – it thrives.

“This reshuffle brings fresh energy and a renewed focus on the areas Victorians care most about – jobs, cost of living, regional growth and quality of life.”

The reshuffle is part of the ongoing factional tensions in the Victorian Liberals since the 2022 state election.

Much of it has centred on the high-profile defamation battle between former opposition leader John Pesutto and outspoken MP Moira Deeming, who successfully sued him after the Federal Court found he defamed her by implying she was associated with neo-Nazis.

Mr Pesutto remains on the backbench after the party loaned him $1.55 million to settle his debt to Mrs Deeming, prompting another legal stoush over the legality of the payment.

“I’ve put together a team that I think is the best team moving forward,” Opposition Leader Brad Battin said on October 11.

“One that I think is in the ultimate position for what we can do to take to the next election and put our policies forward.”

– WITH AAP