Loading But the Liberals had to cope with a little loss of control of their own on Sunday after the closely-held secret of the launch location leaked and a squad of Trades Hall union activists dressed like lobsters showed up. Matthew Guy vows to launch a judicial inquiry into the 'red shirts' affair Credit:Luis Ascui But inside the events centre, things ran much more smoothly with speeches from shadow treasurer Michael O’Brien, shadow health minister Mary Wooldridge and shadow roads Minister David Hodgett were lapped up by the party faithful. Figures from the federal party either stayed away from the Centre in Ivanhoe on Sunday or did not take to the stage, with Treasurer Josh Frydenberg spotted in the crowd but not addressing the launch.

Taking his turn at the podium, Mr Guy ripped into the Premier, alleging he was the “central figure” in the “red shirts” affair and promised to pursue Mr Andrews and his colleagues if the Coalition were successful next month. “A Liberal Nationals government will establish an independent judicial inquiry in to the cover up, the political interference that is clearly hindering the police investigation in to this corruption,” Mr Guy told the launch. Loading “I won’t let Labor get away with theft; I won’t let their corruption go uninvestigated. “What sort of message does it send to kids that the law only applies to some, not to those in high office? Well it does apply to them and it will apply to them.”

Mr Guy had two other new campaign promises to unveil; on regional payroll tax and p-plate drivers. The Coalition leader said reducing payroll tax in the regions from the already concessional rate of 2.45 per cent to just 1 per cent would help move jobs and people away from Melbourne. “It will create more jobs in the regions, it will decentralise our state,” Mr Guy said. “Importantly, this initiative will encourage more people in our regions to start their own business, to have a go so that they can take control of their future and be part of the backbone of our economy that is small business.” There was also a pledge to slash $295 off the annual car registration bill for red P plate drivers (just off their L plates), which Mr Guy said would help young people starting out in tertiary education, training or in the workforce.