Opposition Leader Jess Wilson has announced the Victorian Coalition’s new Shadow Ministry, naming a reshaped frontbench she says is ready to “present a credible and optimistic alternative” ahead of the 2026 state election.
The reshuffle sees Evan Mulholland retain his portfolio as Shadow Minister for Multicultural and Multifaith Affairs, alongside a major promotion to Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council. He will also take on the Transport Infrastructure portfolio, stepping into a larger public-facing role.
Brad Battin, who briefly served as Opposition Leader before Wilson took over in September, returns to the law and order space as Shadow Minister for Police and Crime Prevention and Shadow Minister for Emergency Services. During his previous leadership stint, Battin consistently focused on law and order issues, often criticising government responses to youth crime and bail reform.
Matthew Guy, another former Liberal leader, is also back on the frontbench, this time as Shadow Minister for Public Transport and for Ports and Freight.
In the statement, Wilson said the new team “draws upon the experience and diverse backgrounds” of MPs from both the Liberal and National parties. “With 12 months until the next election, my team is fully focused on the task ahead,” she said. “Our priorities are clear… we will get our finances under control, end the crime crisis, deliver a world-class health system and ensure every Victorian has the best opportunity to own their own home.”
The Nationals’ leader Danny O’Brien said regional Victoria had been overlooked for too long. “Our team will provide the genuine alternative that Victorians are crying out for,” he said.
The new frontbench includes a mix of returning figures and new faces, with portfolios spanning the economy, housing, health, education, and energy.
Jess Wilson replaced Brad Battin as Opposition Leader in September 2025 after a party-room vote. Battin’s brief leadership came after the departure of John Pesutto earlier that year. Under both Pesutto and Battin, the Coalition had sharpened its focus on crime and cost-of-living issues, themes Wilson has continued in her early messaging.
The reshaped frontbench now turns its attention to the year ahead, with both major parties preparing their platforms ahead of the next Victorian election.
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