Thursday, 9 February 2023

Ministers statements: member conduct

Danny PEARSON (Essendon – Minister for Government Services, Assistant Treasurer, Minister for WorkSafe and the TAC, Minister for Consumer Affairs) (14:18): It is the first sitting week in 2023 of a new parliamentary term, and recent circumstances have compelled me to remind the house of the code of conduct that guides us as members of this place. 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: serving the public interest, integrity, accountability and leadership. It goes without saying – or it should go without saying – that these values reflect public expectations given our roles as representatives and leaders in our communities. Section 9 of the code of conduct says:

A Member may engage in employment, business and community activities outside of their duties as a Member but must avoid any actual or perceived conflict of interest that might arise from those activities, including where the activities compromise the Member’s ability to fulfil their public duties.

Section 10 of the code of conduct states:

A Member must not accept any gift, hospitality or other benefit which –

…

(b) might create a perception of an attempt to influence the Member in the exercise of their public duties.

I would also like to remind the house that the code outlines the expectations regarding the use of public resources, and a member must be responsible and accountable for their use of public resources.

Can the Leader of the Opposition explain how the values of integrity, accountability and serving in the public interest are demonstrated by dining with people caught with fully automatic military-style assault rifles? In the lead-up to the 2022 election the Leader of the Opposition talked a lot about integrity and accountability, but it is not what you say, it is what you do.

James Newbury: On a point of order, Speaker, the minister would know that under standing order 118 it is unparliamentary to make a personal reflection on a member other than by substantive motion. With a member of this place inviting John Setka onto the floor of this chamber last night, that is outrageous.

The SPEAKER: The member for Brighton can leave the chamber for 1 hour.

Member for Brighton withdrew from chamber.

The SPEAKER: Members will be reminded that when I am on my feet there is to be silence in the chamber.

Danny PEARSON: First it was lobster with a mobster. Now it is calamari –

Peter Walsh: On a point of order, Speaker, before the member for Brighton was removed from the chamber he made a point of order. You have not ruled on that point of order.

The SPEAKER: Indeed I have not. I believe that the minister was quietly stepping over a line there, so I ask the minister to come back to his ministers statement.

Danny PEARSON: First it was lobster with a mobster. Now it is calamari with a criminal and drinks with finks. It is time for the Leader of the Opposition to act.

John Pesutto: On a point of order, Speaker, why are you allowing the minister to get away with that?

The SPEAKER: I ask you not to reflect on rulings from the Chair, Leader of the Opposition. I do ask members to be mindful of how they are reflecting on other members in this place. You are making a ministers statement on integrity. I expect all members to uphold that integrity.