Victorian Labor Caucus Votes to Elevate Four MPs to Cabinet Positions
The Victorian Labor caucus has officially voted to promote four members of parliament to cabinet positions, sparking immediate controversy over one appointee's past associations. Luba Grigorovitch, Paul Edbrooke, Michaela Settle, and Paul Hamer received the elevation during a Tuesday meeting, filling vacancies created by departing ministers.
Controversial Appointment Defended Amid Criticism
Luba Grigorovitch, the member for Kororoit, has become the center of political debate following her promotion, with opposition figures questioning her fitness for ministerial office due to her past friendship with former Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union (CFMEU) leader John Setka. Grigorovitch served as state secretary of the Rail, Tram and Bus Union before entering parliament in 2022, working closely with Setka during that period.
"I don't just ditch my mates when things get tough," Grigorovitch declared when asked about her relationship with Setka. "I have no regrets whatsoever about my time as a union secretary. I very proudly stood up for workers' rights day in, day out."
Opposition Launches Scathing Attack
Shadow Attorney General James Newbury launched a blistering critique of Grigorovitch's appointment, questioning Premier Jacinta Allan's judgment. "How could the premier possibly think that Luba Grigorovitch passes the character test of being a minister of this state?" Newbury told reporters. "It's appalling that she's chosen her for the cabinet."
The controversy stems from Setka's resignation from the CFMEU in mid-2024, preceding explosive allegations about union infiltration by criminal elements. An investigation commissioned by a federal government-appointed administrator described the union under Setka's leadership as having morphed into a "crime syndicate," though Setka has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
Premier Defends Cabinet Selections
Premier Jacinta Allan dismissed the criticism as "petty" and "childish," standing firmly behind her new ministerial appointments. The cabinet reshuffle became necessary after ministers Mary-Anne Thomas, Danny Pearson, and Gayle Tierney announced they would not recontest the November election and would immediately step down from their positions, joining Natalie Hutchins who moved to the backbench in December.
Backgrounds of New Cabinet Members
- Luba Grigorovitch: Former RTBU state secretary, first woman and youngest-ever to hold the position, entered parliament in 2022
- Paul Edbrooke: Frankston MP, former firefighter and teacher, survived emergency plane landing in 2023 and helped resuscitate a man weeks later
- Michaela Settle: Eureka MP, owned and operated family sheep farm in Ararat for a decade
- Paul Hamer: Box Hill MP, former civil engineer who won what was once a safe Liberal seat in Melbourne's eastern suburbs
Hamer expressed surprise at his political trajectory, noting: "If you asked me 10 years ago, did I see myself being in this position? 10 years ago, I would have told you probably to stop smoking whatever you were smoking. But I am very pleased to have been given the opportunity."
Portfolio Announcements Imminent
Premier Allan is scheduled to announce the specific portfolios for the new ministers on Wednesday as part of a broader cabinet reshuffle. The appointments come at a critical time for the Victorian government, which faces increasing scrutiny over union connections and governance standards.
Grigorovitch acknowledged she hasn't spoken to Setka "in a very long time" but maintained her principled stance on friendship loyalty. Her 2023 maiden speech included personal thanks to Setka, and he attended her wedding that same year, highlighting the depth of their former professional and personal relationship.
