Questions without notice and ministers statements
Member conduct
John PESUTTO (Hawthorn – Leader of the Opposition) (14:02): My question is to the Minister for Consumer Affairs. It has been revealed today that each one of the minister’s commercial properties is rented to real estate agents. As the minister responsible for the Estate Agents Act, did the minister detail to the secretary of the department this latest conflict of interest?
Members interjecting.
The SPEAKER: Order! I had hoped to not be on my feet this early into question time. The Minister for Consumer Affairs, without assistance.
Danny PEARSON (Essendon – Minister for Government Services, Assistant Treasurer, Minister for WorkSafe and the TAC, Minister for Consumer Affairs) (14:02): I reject the premise of the question. I own no commercial properties whatsoever. The Leader of the Opposition clearly does not understand how to read the register of members interests. I own residential properties which are managed on my behalf by real estate agents. I have always declared my interests, and I have always acted appropriately. I think the real question here though is: what is the Leader of the Opposition actually suggesting – that the Minister for Agriculture cannot own a farm and that the minister for innovation cannot own an iPhone? I mean, it is just a ridiculous proposition. I have always declared my interests. I have always acted appropriately. Now, I know this is the last question time for a while. I want to advise the house I will be here when the house resumes on 2 May. The question is: will the member for Hawthorn be there, or is he going to languish on the backbench?
Members interjecting.
The SPEAKER: Order! The Manager of Opposition Business will come to order.
John PESUTTO (Hawthorn – Leader of the Opposition) (14:03): On a supplementary, section 8.4 of the ministerial code of conduct states that where a conflict or potential conflict of interest could arise, the minister should divest themselves, relinquish control, put in place appropriate arrangements or take such other action. What did the minister do to manage the conflict of interest with respect to each one of his commercial properties?
Danny PEARSON (Essendon – Minister for Government Services, Assistant Treasurer, Minister for WorkSafe and the TAC, Minister for Consumer Affairs) (14:04): Well, the Leader of the Opposition clearly did not listen to the answer I gave him. I own no commercial properties. I have always acted appropriately. I have always declared my interests.