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The kingmaker: Inside James Paterson’s quiet grip on Coalition power

The Australian Financial Review (AFR) •
October 30, 2026 • 01:00 AM
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The 38-year-old powerbroker is a key confidante to Victorian Opposition Leader Jess Wilson as she targets only the second state Liberal victory this century.

The kingmaker: Inside James Paterson’s quiet grip on Coalition power

“They say your worst day in government is better than your best day in opposition,” James Paterson says with a touch of disdain. “It’s not true at all.”

The Liberal senator from Victoria has just been asked why he’s so cheery when his party is in the doldrums, One Nation is on the march and the prospect of a federal Coalition government is looking ever more distant.

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