There is a famous quote by John F Kennedy. “Victory has a thousand fathers, but defeat is an orphan.” How very true this is for the Victorian Division of the Liberal Party. On Friday night at the first Policy Assembly since the election Liberal party State Director Julian Sheezel spent his whole 15 minute speech blaming everyone for the loss bar himself. His main scapegoat was the Federal Campaign Unit often referred to as “CHQ” or “central headquarters.” Of course three years ago when the Libs performed more than admirably in Victoria, Sheezel was very keen to take as much credit as possible for the win thanks in no small part to his so called role in making the Scoresby freeway an issue. Ahh politics, you’ve got to love it.

Re. “Credit where it’s due for Rudd’s code of conduct”. What about the reverse situation, Mr Rudd? Lobbyists entering Government? Gary Grey used to work for Woodside, now he’s Parliamentary Secretary for Northern Australia, and in charge of Woodside’s main development area… No conflict of interest there…

With the Member for Blue Mountains Phil Koperberg recently dropped from NSW Cabinet over abuse allegations, the Liberals are talking about who to run in a possible by-election. Recently deposed Federal Member Kerry Bartlett has been mentioned, but rumour is that his wife and former Electorate Office Manager, Christine, is keen to throw her hat in the ring.