The post became vacant after outgoing Deputy Prime Minister James Merlino resigned on Friday, five months before the November state election.
The Victorian Labor caucus met to confirm the composition of its cabinet following the resignation of Merlino and three other high-profile MPs: Health Minister Martin Foley, Police Minister Lisa Neville and the Minister of Industry, Tourism and Sports Martin Pakula.
Outgoing Minister of Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula (left) leaves Saturday’s caucus meeting. Credit: Paul Jeffers
Spokesman Colin Brooks will also move into the cabinet. The speaker will be chaired by Bendigo West MP Maree Edwards and St Albans MP Natalie Suleyman will be the Vice-Chair.
Other ministerial vacancies will be filled by Lizzie Blandthorn, Steve Dimopoulos, Sonya Kilkenny and Harriet Shing.
Andrews said he would call the new ministers to tell them what portfolios they had received. He said the new cabinet would be announced later on Saturday or Sunday and sworn in on Monday.
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The prime minister said he had not discussed a move with Allan. “Not at all,” he said.
Andrews denied that his socialist left faction now had too much influence over the government, as Allan also comes from the same group. He said there had not always been a left-right “balance” in the leadership teams of previous Labor governments.
“My judgment is that the best person should get the job,” he said.
Andrews said the November election would be close and that he did not take Labor re-election for granted, despite being ahead of the polls.
“The state elections will be close, they always are. It’s a handful of votes in a handful of seats. We will present a positive and optimistic plan ”.
If Labor wins, Andrews said he will serve a full term.
“I’ll be here to do the job. I didn’t come back from a very serious injury to be able to leave. I did the job again.”
Before the meeting, Pakula gave her support to Allan, saying she would be an “amazing” deputy prime minister.
“She is the longest-serving Labor minister in history and will be a great deputy prime minister if that is what the caucus decides,” she said.
“I hope you will receive unanimous support.”
Outgoing Deputy Prime Minister James Merlino ahead of Saturday’s caucus meeting. Credit: Paul Jeffers
Pakula rejected suggestions that he was too close to an election for a reshuffle, saying incoming ministers would have the winter holidays and would sit for weeks to deal with their portfolios.
When asked if the factions had ordered the part of the portfolio, Merlino said decisions would be made in the caucus room.
Merlino said he will play a strategic role during the election, working on strategy and helping candidates in their local campaigns.
“I have enough fuel in the tank to get to the elections. It’s not beyond that, ”he said.
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