John Pesutto's Leadership Gains Momentum Amid Controversy

In a striking turnaround, Victorian Liberal Party leader John Pesutto received a standing ovation at the party council meeting held at Moonee Valley Racecourse, a stark contrast to the boos he faced a year prior. Following speculation about a leadership spill, Pesutto has solidified his position, successfully fending off conservative factions aiming to seize control of key party roles. His resurgence in popularity coincides with a shift in public sentiment following Daniel Andrews' transition to Jacinta Allan and growing concerns over youth crime and alleged criminal ties within the construction union. Pesutto has proposed new policies aimed at expediting housing development approvals, including establishing timelines for cultural heritage procedures and committing to annual audits of cultural heritage linked to housing projects. He argues that these measures will facilitate the construction of more homes in a timely manner. However, critics, including government officials and Indigenous groups, have dismissed these claims, asserting that the proposed changes will not significantly impact the housing crisis, as less than 1% of developments require a Cultural Heritage Management Plan (CHMP). The Liberal Party's approach has drawn criticism for a lack of consultation with First Nations groups, with the First People’s Assembly expressing disappointment over not being engaged prior to the policy announcement. Pesutto acknowledged this oversight but emphasized the urgency of addressing housing shortages, citing a backlog of projects and reduced state funding. Despite the potential backlash in his own constituency of Hawthorn, he remains committed to his policy direction in light of the recent voice referendum.