New Victoria Liberal Leader Vows Unity, Support for Police and Jewish Community

The former police minister will talk to all his members of parliament in coming days in order to get them all on the same page heading into 2026 state election.

New Victorian Opposition Leader Brad Battin (2nd right) speaks too media alongside (L-R) Victorian Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council Evan Mulholland, Victorian Shadow Treasurer David Davis and Victorian Shadow Minister for Tourism, Sport and Events Sam Groth following a Victorian Liberals Party Meeting at Parliament House in Melbourne on Dec. 27, 2024. AAP Image/Joel Carrett

Newly-minted Victoria Liberal leader Brad Battin believes he is the man to unite a deeply divided party room, and will spend the coming weeks trying to iron out any differences.

The former police officer made the comments to The Epoch Times at the Pillars of Light Festival at Melbourne’s Federal Square on Dec. 29.

Battin emerged victorious after a Liberal leadership vote on Dec. 27, defeating Kew MP Jess Wilson and Mornington MP Chris Crewther, who both sought the top job.

Former Opposition Leader John Pesutto had stepped down after exiled MP Moira Deeming was readmitted to the party room, achieving majority support 23-4 in a second round of voting.

Earlier this month, Deeming successfully sued Pesutto for defamation over public statements he made after she attended a Let Women Speak rally.

The rally was gatecrashed by neo-Nazis, but Deeming was branded a “Nazi affiliate” or “sympathiser” by news outlets, and subsequently Pesutto.

Liberal MP Moira Deeming speaks to media following a Victorian Liberals Party Meeting at Parliament House in Melbourne, Australia on Dec. 27, 2024. AAP Image/Joel Carrett

Appointment Well Received: Battin

Battin—seen by political pundits as a conservative-leaning Liberal—said he would be working with MP David Southwick still had some work to do to mend fractures in his party.

“David’s fantastic. I’ve had David with me since 2010, and David’s as passionate as ever,” Battin told The Epoch Times.

“So we’ll be working together continuously.”

Battin also selected former professional tennis player Sam Groth to be his second-in-charge, adding star power to his shadow frontbench.

The Liberal leader has committed to sitting down with each MP in an effort to work on any differences in the coming days and weeks ahead, particularly in light of the challenges put to him by Wilson and Crewther.

Battin added he had received a lot of support from his Berwick electorate, and across Greater Melbourne and Victoria, in response to him becoming the new leader.

The Chanukah celebrations on Dec. 29 where his first official appearance as opposition leader.

“(Being Liberal leader feels) very good. Obviously we’ve got a lot of work to be done,” he said.

“We’re going to have a busy time and I’ve got to get out and about on days like today, but also start to develop what we’re going to do as the party moves forward.”

Focus on Crime

Battin also praised Victorian Police for the “exceptional work they do in protecting our community, and they continue to protect our community.”

Victoria Police have been in an ongoing pay dispute with the Allan Labor government, but Battin said rebuilding the state’s police force would be one of his top priorities.

“We’ve got to make sure we fill the vacancies in Victoria Police, give them move-on powers and toughen the bail laws,” he said.

Pledges Safety Towards Jewish Community

With the Jewish community airing concerns about safety following the Oct. 7 terrorist attacks committed by Hamas last year, Battin reiterated his support towards them in front of a healthy crowd at Chanukah.

“It’s a beautiful community (uniting) through a tough period,” he said.

This month’s firebombing at a Ripponlea synagogue saw millions of dollars of holy texts, handwritten Torah scrolls, artefacts and furniture destroyed or badly damaged.

“Many Jews do not feel safe in their own city,” Battin said.

“And that is a sad state of affairs … It is simply not on and not good enough.

“As a former police officer, as a very proud member of the Victorian Liberal Party with the opportunity to lead that party over the next few years as we go to the election, the one thing I want to remind you is every single day we will stand with you.

“And we will make sure that any changes that we want to put forward as policy are there to protect your rights and your freedoms when you go to your place of worship.”

Southwick Stands by Battin

Southwick believes the Liberal Party—under Battin’s leadership—is now in a winning position for the next state election in 2026.

He has retained his shadow minister portfolios for major projects, transport infrastructure, trade and investment, and cost of living for now.

“It has been an immense pleasure to serve as Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party over the past three years,” Southwick said in a statement.

“I have worked tirelessly to position our party for success at the next election, and I am incredibly proud that the Liberal Party is now in a winning position for the 2026 election.”

Southwick said loyalty was important to him, which was why he previously stood by the embattled Pesutto, and also why he has now thrown his support behind Battin.

“Loyalty in both good and bad times is important to me, and I am proud of the steadfast loyalty I demonstrated as Deputy Leader to both John Pesutto and Matthew Guy,” he said.