Thursday, 23 February 2023

Member conduct

John PESUTTO (Hawthorn – Leader of the Opposition) (14:27): My question is to the Assistant Treasurer.

Members interjecting.

The SPEAKER: Order!

John PESUTTO: The ‘Statement of Values’ in part 2 of the Members of Parliament (Standards) Act –

Members interjecting.

The SPEAKER: I would like to hear the question from the Leader of the Opposition.

John PESUTTO: My question is to the Assistant Treasurer. The ‘Statement of Values’ in part 2 of the Members of Parliament (Standards) Act 1978 tells us that:

Members should demonstrate the following values in carrying out their … duties:

(a) serving the public interest;

…

(c) integrity;

(d) accountability;

…

(g) leadership.

Has the Assistant Treasurer always displayed these values in managing his share portfolio and ensuring that his family arrangements do not breach the ministerial code of conduct?

Mary-Anne Thomas: On a point of order, Speaker, I ask that you rule the question out of order. It was very clear that the question referred to the responsibilities of members as members of the Parliament –

Daniel Andrews: And not ministers.

Mary-Anne Thomas: and not ministers as members of the executive. As members in this place well know, questions are to be directed to ministers of the Crown in relation to their portfolio responsibilities and not simply as members of Parliament.

Members interjecting.

The SPEAKER: Order! The member for Sunbury can leave the chamber for 1 hour.

Member for Sunbury withdrew from chamber.

James Newbury: On the point of order, Speaker, with respect, the first part of the question directly linked to the second part of the question and the values contained within the ministerial code of conduct. That link was clear in the question. I understand that those at the table may not have been listening, but that link was definitely in the question.

Daniel Andrews: On the point of order, Speaker, on the ministerial code of conduct: questions in relation to that matter ought be directed to the minister responsible for that code of conduct, and that is the chair of the cabinet – namely, the Premier – me. Ask me the question, and perhaps draft it a bit more carefully.

Members interjecting.

Daniel Andrews: Draft it a bit more carefully. The question is out of order. It does not relate to the minister’s responsibilities, it relates to his obligations to the house, and that is not what question time is for.

Members interjecting.

The SPEAKER: Order! I would like to rule on the point of order. The Assistant Treasurer can answer the question. If it is not part of his ministerial responsibilities, he can advise the house of that.

Danny PEARSON (Essendon – Minister for Government Services, Assistant Treasurer, Minister for WorkSafe and the TAC, Minister for Consumer Affairs) (14:30): I have behaved appropriately at all times in my ministerial duties.

John PESUTTO (Hawthorn – Leader of the Opposition) (14:30): The Assistant Treasurer has broken the ministerial code of conduct by personally profiting from government decisions. The Assistant Treasurer has actively held shares which made a profit through government decisions he has been involved in. Despite a hollow apology, the Assistant Treasurer will continue to own and profit from his shares, and now the Assistant Treasurer has been exposed exploiting the administrative orders to profit his family. At every step the minister has failed to be up-front and honest with the Victorian people about his share dealings and family arrangements. Will the minister finally show some integrity, do the right thing and fully explain all his share dealings to the Victorian people?

Danny PEARSON (Essendon – Minister for Government Services, Assistant Treasurer, Minister for WorkSafe and the TAC, Minister for Consumer Affairs) (14:31): It probably sounded better this morning; it all comes down to the delivery. As I have said, I have always behaved appropriately.