Greek Australian MP Nick Staikos has been promoted to Victoria’s ministries of Consumer Affairs and Local Government as part of a major cabinet reshuffle under Premier Jacinta Allan’s Labor government.
“I am looking forward to working hard in these important portfolio areas, as well as continuing as the Member for Bentleigh, which is the honour of my life,” Staikos said in a post on Facebook.
The reshuffle follows the departure of former Treasurer Tim Pallas, who announced his decision to leave politics after more than a decade managing the state’s finances. This prompted a series of appointments and role changes within the cabinet, with Jaclyn Symes becoming Victoria’s first female treasurer.
Staikos’ elevation has been noted as a key development in Victoria’s politics. As Minister for Consumer Affairs and Local Government, Staikos will have the opportunity to play a vital role in supporting Victorian communities and ensuring fair consumer practices.
Nick Staikos and his political career in Victoria
Nick Staikos is the state member for Bentleigh, a district of the Victorian Legislative Assembly covering the suburbs of Bentleigh, Bentleigh East, McKinnon and Moorabbin, along with parts of Ormond, Cheltenham and Highett.
Born at Moorabbin Hospital, Staikos attended local primary and secondary schools before completing a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) at Monash University. At 19, he became the youngest councillor ever elected to the City of Glen Eira, representing the people of Tucker Ward – a subset of the same constituency that he now represents in State Parliament.
Staikos has a long history of community advocacy and activism in Bentleigh. During his time on Glen Eira City Council, Nick worked with former Labor MPs Simon Crean and Rob Hudson to save and redevelop the East Bentleigh Pool site into what is now GESAC (Glen Eira Sports & Aquatic Centre), a major public asset for local families. Nick is also the President of Godfrey Street Community House, and an honorary life member of the East Bentleigh Senior Citizens Club.
Since he was elected part of the Andrews Labor Government in November of 2014, Staikos has worked hard to deliver for the Bentleigh community.
This work has included the removal of level crossings at Centre Road, North Road, and McKinnon Road; construction of the long-awaited Southland Station; funding new cancer diagnostics and outpatient facilities at Moorabbin Hospital; building a new student hub at Holmesglen TAFE in Moorabbin; new and improved bus services; funding an East Bentleigh Ambulance Branch; improved sports facilities including bringing the Saints back to Moorabbin; and securing more than $200 million in local school upgrades, including McKinnon Secondary College’s East Campus.
Following Staikos’s re-election in 2018, he was appointed Deputy Government Whip in the Legislative Assembly and the Secretary of the Parliamentary Labor Caucus. In 2020, he became Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer.
In 2022, he was appointed Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier. In 2023, he became Parliamentary Secretary for Multicultural Affairs and continued in his role as Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier.