Monbulk MP James Merlino’s Labor Party colleagues last week appointed him as the party’s Victorian deputy leader.
By Casey Neill
MONBULK MP James Merlino says his constituents’ needs will not take a back seat to his new role as the state’s deputy Labor leader.
His peers appointed him to the position last Wednesday 1 February, following former deputy Rob Hulls’ resignation due to health and family concerns.
“It’s a great honour. I’m very excited by the opportunity,” Mr Merlino said.
“It’s a broader role. It’s a leadership role across the state.”
The 39-year-old said he never anticipated such a position when he joined the Victorian Labor Party about 20 years ago.
“It’s just a dream come true,” he said.
“It’s a show of confidence from my colleagues, and I’ve got to repay their faith.”
He was quick to douse suggestions that the state’s top job was in his future.
“The only premier I want to see is Daniel Andrews,” he said.
Mr Merlino said people expected a strong and effective opposition that would hold the government to account – and put up a credible alternative.
“There’s a lot of work to do,” he said.
“It’s important for us to do a lot of listening and really develop policies, make a connection with the Victorian community.”
But he was adamant that his appointment would not detract from serving Monbulk – “the most important thing”.
Mr Merlino said he proudly represented the region he called home.
“That is always the highest priority as a member of parliament,” he said.
He said being ousted from government at the November 2010 election had made his job more difficult.
“Opposition is just a hard slog,” he said.
“When you don’t have the levers of government, you can’t solve people’s problems.
“You can’t use the instruments of government to actively help people.
“There is absolutely nothing redeeming about Opposition.”
But he has his eyes firmly fixed on returning his party to public favour ahead of the 29 November 2014 election.
“That’s the challenge that excites me,” he said.
