WYNDHAM’S local representative in parliament could be the next Treasurer of Victoria after receiving a promotion last week.
Opposition Leader Daniel Andrews announced last Monday that Mr Pallas would be taking over as the Shadow Treasurer after Tim Holding resigned from politics.
Mr Pallas, a former Minister for Roads and Ports under Steve Bracks and John Brumby, will also retain his current portfolio of Shadow Minister for Employment.
“It’s obviously something that was orchestrated by events and it’s a great honour,” Mr Pallas told Star.
“We think that the State Government’s focus should be geared towards jobs and economic growth.”
Mr Pallas said if he was elected as Treasurer he would still have Wyndham’s best interests at heart.
“Obviously a Labor Government would govern the whole state but as the Member for an area that has suffered greatly I would be working towards getting Wyndham the investment and jobs it needs,” he said.
“I want to ensure that the damage being inflicted is remedied by a government that is willing to pull up its sleeves and get on with the job.”
Mr Andrews said Mr Pallas’ appointment reflected the strong skill set he had and also reflected Labor’s focus on jobs, economic growth and infrastructure investment.
“In the absence of leadership and hard work from Ted Baillieu and Kim Wells, Labor is the only party with a plan and the determination to ensure Victoria does not go backwards,” Mr Andrews said.
“Tim Pallas has an impeccable track record to set out an alternative vision for growth, job security and business engagement in our great state.
“By retaining the portfolio of employment I have asked Tim Pallas to ensure that the economic plan Labor takes to Victoria in 2014 has jobs at the forefront.
Mr Pallas denied he had is eye on the job of Opposition Leader and said he was focussed on becoming Victoria’s next Treasurer.
