A state Liberal leader has extended an olive branch to the man she toppled, as her political rival warns Labor faces a tough road to re-election.
Under the cover of Melbourne's Metro Tunnel opening, Victorian Opposition Leader Jess Wilson unveiled her shadow cabinet on Sunday after Brad Battin was ousted from the top job earlier in November.
The 35-year-old handed Mr Battin his old position as the coalition's police and corrections spokesman.
"Brad has so much to offer," she told reporters.
"As a former police officer ... it feels right to put him into that role."
The snap coup against Mr Battin was partly blamed on his inability to prosecute the state government on issues apart from crime.
Former deputy leader David Southwick was shunted into the portfolios of housing and planning to make space for Mr Battin.
Those roles had belonged to Mr Battin's ally Richard Riordan, who now finds himself out of shadow cabinet. First-term MP Renee Heath was elevated to replace him.
In an uncommon move, Ms Wilson opted to remain shadow treasurer.
Steve Bracks was the last Victorian opposition leader to simultaneously hold that position in 1999, delivering a budget as premier and treasurer in 2000 after Labor came to power.
Former WA premier Mark McGowan, ex-Tasmanian premier Peter Gutwein and ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr have also led their respective states and territories at the same time as being treasurer.
Asked how she would carry the load, Ms Wilson said she was the "best person" for the job.
"I'm proud to take on the role as shadow treasurer because if we don't fix the books, the rest of the issues that are facing Victoria will not be able to be fixed," she said.
She also promoted key backer Brad Rowswell to education spokesman, with the party's upper house deputy Evan Mulholland shifting to transport infrastructure.
Former tennis ace turned Nepean MP Sam Groth, who remained the party's deputy leader in a tight vote, has returned to his previously held position of major events, sports and tourism.
He will also pick up trade investment but loses public transport, rts and freight.
There was no room on the frontbench for former party leader John Pesutto or outspoken MP Moira Deeming.
The Victorian coalition needs a net gain of at least 16 seats to form a majority government when voters head to the polls in November 2026.Â
Labor has been in power in Victoria for all but four years since the turn of the century.
Speaking at an election pep rally on Sunday, Premier Jacinta Allan urged Labor faithful to hit the phones and streets to tell "our story" and remind people "what's at stake" under a coalition government.
"We have never won a fourth term ... it's going to be tough," she said.