Tuesday, 8 February 2022

Member conduct

Mr BATTIN (Gembrook) (14:35): My question is to the Minister for Police. In 2019 the minister refused an interview request from Victoria Police over the red shirts scandal. How can the minister’s role not be compromised, given her refusal to be interviewed by Victoria Police two years ago?

Ms NEVILLE (Bellarine—Minister for Water, Minister for Police) (14:35): Can I thank the shadow minister for his question, and can I reject the question—the presumptions behind the question. I am not going to comment on allegations that are being made by an individual who himself is before IBAC.

Mr BATTIN (Gembrook) (14:36): Will the minister give a guarantee to the house that she will comply with any further requests that Victoria Police make of her into the red shirts scandal, currently under investigation?

Ms NEVILLE (Bellarine—Minister for Water, Minister for Police) (14:36): Firstly, I just remind the member I have rejected the premise of his previous question. Secondly, what I can guarantee to the member is that I never discuss individual investigations with the Victoria Police. That is absolutely clearly within the realm of Victoria Police operations under the Victoria Police Act. It is for them to determine what they investigate, what they do not investigate and who they call.