Michael Kroger
Michael Kroger | |
|---|---|
| Born | May 30, 1957 Australia |
| Occupation(s) | Legal professional, political figure |
| Years active | 1978–present |
| Known for | President of the Victorian Liberal Party (1987–1992, 2015–2018) |
Michael Norman Kroger (born 30 May 1957) is a former Australian legal professional and served twice as president of the Victorian Liberal Party (1987–1992, 2015–2018). He is recognized for his leadership role within the party’s conservative faction.
Early life
Kroger received his education at Wesley College, Melbourne, where his father held a senior teaching position. His political involvement began at Monash University, where he completed degrees in Bachelor of Jurisprudence and Bachelor of Laws. In 1978, he held the position of president of the Australian Liberal Students' Federation.
Politics
In 1985, Kroger engaged Alan Goldberg QC to represent the Confectionery Manufacturers of Australia alongside junior barrister and future federal Treasurer Peter Costello during the Dollar Sweets dispute. Subsequently, Kroger and Costello developed a strained relationship.
During his initial term as Victorian Liberal Party president (1987–1992), Kroger introduced reforms that strengthened the party executive’s control over candidate pre-selections amid growing factional divisions. He established JT Campbell & Co, a merchant bank, in 1993, which faced criticism due to its limited banking operations.
From 1998 to 2003, Kroger was a director at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, which he regarded as a "cultural battleground." Returning to lead the party from 2015 until 2018, his presidency was overshadowed by controversies involving branch stacking, public scandals following the embezzlement by former State Director Damien Mantach, and legal conflicts with the party’s main financial supporter, the Cormack Foundation.
Although he promised reforms after the 2014 Victorian state election, the Coalition was decisively defeated in 2018, leading to Kroger’s resignation as State President on 30 November 2018.
Since leaving politics, Kroger has frequently appeared as a commentator on Sky News Australia and provided counsel to former Liberal Victorian Opposition leader John Pesutto during the expulsion process of Moira Deeming.
Legacy
Identifying himself as a "power broker," Kroger remains a polarizing figure within the Victorian Liberal Party and has attracted criticism from former Premiers Jeff Kennett and Ted Baillieu.
Personal life
Kroger was first married to Helen Kroger, who later became a Senator for Victoria. His second marriage was to Ann Peacock, daughter of ex-Liberal Party leader Andrew Peacock and socialite Susan Renouf. The couple separated in 2009.