Liberal Member for Western Victoria, Joe McCracken, has been promoted as new state opposition leader Brad Battin makes several changes to his cabinet.
Mr. McCracken will move from the back bench to become Shadow Cabinet Secretary.
Joe says the move will give Ballarat a strong voice.
“Basically, the role is to support Shadow Cabinet and to be a voice for Ballarat at the highest table possible in our party and in the opposition,” he said.
“It gives me a great opportunity to advocate for the needs of Ballarat.”
Meanwhile, as the Federal Opposition improves in the polls ahead of this year’s election, Ballarat surprisingly still has no Liberal candidate.
Wes McKnight sensationally pulled out of the race last September, citing dual citizenship concerns.
Sitting Federal MP, Labor’s Catherine King, says she will stand again.
“I do think it’s disappointing we haven’t heard whether there is a Liberal candidate or not, but that’s a matter for the Liberal Party,” she said.