Victoria’s Opposition Leader Brad Battin has unveiled his new shadow cabinet more than a week after successfully toppling the state’s former Liberal leader John Pesutto.
Sam Groth has replaced David Southwick as the opposition deputy leader and taken on special minister of state as well as sport, tourism and major events.
Southwick has been demoted to shadow police and corrections minister.
James Newbury has taken the title of shadow treasurer, sending Brad Rosewell to the backbench.
Evelyn MP Bridget Vallence has taken Jess Wilson’s seat after she challenged Battin for leadership and will take the shadow finance portfolio.
Wilson will remain the shadow education minister.
Georgie Crozier will keep her role as shadow health minister and Bev McArthur, who was crucial to Battin’s win, will fill the shadow role of local government.
Most of those in the new shadow cabinet had signed the letter that called for the meeting which ended Pesutto’s leadership.
But Battin has denied his picks were rewards for those who gave him the votes to win.
“We are focused on seeing the change we need in our state around fairness and opportunity,” he said.
Pesutto joins Matthew Guy and Michael O’Brien as failed former leaders and sits on the backbench.
“John has opted not to come into the shadow cabinet,” Battin said.
Of the 23 shadow cabinet positions, only eight have been given to women.
