Premier

Cuts O’Brien Is The Steven Bradbury Of The Victorian Liberal Party

06 December 2018

Member for Malvern Michael O’Brien – best known for taking the axe to services Victorians rely on and doing a dodgy deal for big corporations on East West Link – is only Liberal leader because the Liberal partyroom had no one else to choose.

It’s been clear in recent days that most Liberal MPs prefer the former Member for Hawthorn John Pesutto as leader.

As the last man standing, Michael O’Brien is the Steven Bradbury of the Victorian Liberal Party.

But it’s important to know who the Liberals have chosen as their leader.

Michael O’Brien’s record is one of cuts, closures and cosying up to big corporations.

As Treasurer, he took the axe to schools, hospitals, and the services that all Victorians rely on.

He also signed a disgraceful secret side letter for the builders of East West Link on the eve of an election – handing big corporations hundreds of millions of dollars to not build a road.

What is also clear is that the Liberals have a leader-in-exile ready to pounce when he gets the opportunity.

John Pesutto told 3AW yesterday that he wants to get back into the Parliament and take over the Liberal leadership:

"I have an elaborate plan, I just haven’t worked out the what, the how, the when or the where."

In stark contrast to Labor’s positive agenda, the Liberals are starting the new Parliament at war with themselves.

Quotes attributable to Deputy Premier James Merlino

“Michael O’Brien is the Steven Bradbury of the Victorian Liberal Party – he’s only the Liberal leader because everyone else has fallen over.”

“His record as Treasurer is disgraceful – presiding over cuts to schools, cuts to hospitals, and cuts to the services Victorians rely on.”

“Everyone knows that Michael O’Brien is just warming the seat, while his hopelessly divided party finds a way to get John Pesutto back into the Parliament.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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