Questions without notice and ministers statements
Member conduct
John PESUTTO (Hawthorn – Leader of the Opposition) (14:02): My question is to the Assistant Treasurer. On 28 July 2021 the Assistant Treasurer held up to $60,000 worth of Commonwealth Bank shares. However, his shareholding increased by up to $40,000 by 28 February 2022. Within that same period, on 10 August 2021 the Assistant Treasurer announced the Commonwealth Bank would be contracted to provide Victorian government banking and financial services. On what date did the Assistant Treasurer increase his shareholding in the Commonwealth Bank?
Danny PEARSON (Essendon – Minister for Government Services, Assistant Treasurer, Minister for WorkSafe and the TAC, Minister for Consumer Affairs) (14:02): I thank the member for his question. As I have indicated, I have always acted appropriately. I have always declared my interests, and I refer the Leader of the Opposition to my previous answers.
Members interjecting.
The SPEAKER: Order! The member for Eildon is warned.
John PESUTTO (Hawthorn – Leader of the Opposition) (14:03): Between 28 February 2022 and 28 July 2022 the Assistant Treasurer reduced his shareholding in the Commonwealth Bank by up to $40,000. The Assistant Treasurer claims that he is not an active trader of shares, yet he traded Commonwealth Bank shares at the same time that he announced and held direct ministerial responsibility for and admitted to being briefed and noting inside information about the Victorian government’s decision to contract the Commonwealth Bank to provide banking and financial services. Can the Assistant Treasurer please explain to –
Members interjecting.
The SPEAKER: Order! Premier, I ask you to come to order so I can hear the supplementary question.
John PESUTTO: From the top, Speaker?
The SPEAKER: I would ask you to continue your question.
John PESUTTO: Continue the question. Well, I was sort of mid paragraph. The Assistant Treasurer claims that his –
Members interjecting.
The SPEAKER: Order! I would like to hear the supplementary question, members.
John PESUTTO: The Assistant Treasurer claims that he is not an active trader of shares, yet he traded Commonwealth Bank shares at the same time that he announced and held direct ministerial responsibility for and admitted to being briefed and noting inside information about the Victorian government’s decision to contract the Commonwealth Bank to provide banking and financial services. Can the Assistant Treasurer please explain to Victorians how this share trading for personal benefit is not a blatant breach of his responsibilities as a minister?
Members interjecting.
The SPEAKER: The member for Eltham is warned.
Danny PEARSON (Essendon – Minister for Government Services, Assistant Treasurer, Minister for WorkSafe and the TAC, Minister for Consumer Affairs) (14:05): Again, I have always acted and behaved appropriately. I have always declared my interests, and I refer the Leader of the Opposition to my previous answer.
Members interjecting.
The SPEAKER: Members, I want to hear the questions and the supplementary questions, and I think it is appropriate to hear the answers.