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Opposition unveils shadow cabinet

New team: (L-R) Victorian Deputy Liberal Party leader David Southwick, Victorian Liberal Party leader John Pesutto, Member for Southern Metropolitan Region Georgie Crozier and Member for North Eastern Metropolitan Region Matthew Bach, who are all members of the shadow cabinet.

The Victorian opposition has unveiled its shadow cabinet weeks after its state election loss to Labor.

Liberals leader John Pesutto detailed his new frontbench on Sunday, with Sandringham MP Brad Rowswell becoming shadow treasurer and David Southwick maintaining his post as deputy leader.

Mr Rowswell was not previously in the shadow cabinet.

Mr Pesutto also takes on the role of opposition spokesman for multicultural affairs.

"This new shadow cabinet shows that we have a lot of renewal in our party – a lot of up-and-coming talent that I want to put to work straight away," Mr Pesutto told reporters.

"These are people who have worked in their fields, (are) very accomplished in their fields, and have a lot to offer the Victorian people, not just the Victorian parliament."

The National Party, which boosted its numbers at last month’s state election, will hold five of the 23 shadow cabinet positions with Peter Walsh, Emma Kealy, Tim Bull, Tim McCurdy and Danny O’Brien part of the opposition’s front bench team.

In addition to his role as deputy leader of the opposition, Mr Walsh is also the shadow minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Aboriginal Affairs.

Ms Kealy will be responsible for Agriculture and Mental Health.

Mr Bull will continue his work in the portfolios of Veterans and Racing, as well as Disability and Aged Care.

Mr McCurdy has gained the portfolios of Water and Consumer Affairs, while Mr O’Brien continues his work in the portfolios of Roads as well as Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation.

“Each will have an important role as well as representing their respective communities around regional Victoria,” Mr Walsh said.

“Because, firstly and most importantly, it’s about how well you represent your community in Parliament.

“The portfolios the five Nationals have in Shadow Cabinet are outstanding opportunities for them to represent regional Victoria around the Shadow Cabinet table, in the Parliament and in the next government.”

Berwick MP Brad Battin, who was up to succeed former Liberal leader Matthew Guy, maintains his role as opposition spokesman for police, but also takes on youth justice, crime prevention and criminal justice reform in the new layout.

Mr Guy was considering what he wanted to do and even though he was not in the shadow cabinet, Mr Pesutto would seek his counsel, the new opposition leader said.

"I certainly hope that Matthew will remain because I think he's got a big role to play," Mr Pesutto said.

Ryan Smith, who was also a leadership contender before he withdrew and threw his support behind Mr Battin, did not make the new shadow cabinet.

It was a tough call to leave him out, but Mr Pesutto felt it was important to maximise every opportunity to introduce new members, the opposition leader said.

David Davis, who previously held the shadow treasurer role, has been demoted but stays on the front bench as opposition special minister of state and arts and creative industries spokesman.

Georgie Crozier is leader of the opposition in the Legislative Council, and keeps her health and ambulance services portfolios.

Deputy opposition leader in the Legislative Council, Matt Bach will take on education, and Evelyn MP Bridget Vallence's responsibilities have been expanded to include manufacturing, industry, innovation, skills and training, employment and industrial relations.

Brighton MP James Newbury retains his environment, climate change and equality portfolios but takes on the additional role of the Legislative Assembly's leader of the opposition business.

The newly elected member for Kew Jess Wilson becomes opposition spokeswoman for finance, economic reform and regulation, and home ownership and housing affordability.

Nepean MP Sam Groth – also newly elected – becomes opposition spokesman for tourism, sport, events and youth.

Mr Pesutto flagged Ms Wilson and Mr Groth's elevation to the shadow cabinet when he was elected as the Liberals leader.