Member conduct
John PESUTTO (Hawthorn – Leader of the Opposition) (14:16): My question is the Assistant Treasurer. Yesterday in response to questions the Assistant Treasurer stated that he had ‘always acted appropriately’. But he then went on to confirm that he had approved the opening of three bank accounts. How can the minister claim that he acted appropriately at all times when he approved the opening of three bank accounts with the Commonwealth Bank, a bank he owns shares in?
Danny PEARSON (Essendon – Minister for Government Services, Assistant Treasurer, Minister for WorkSafe and the TAC, Minister for Consumer Affairs) (14:16): Again, as I have said, I have always acted appropriately. I have always declared my interests and I refer the Leader of the Opposition to the answer I have given to this previously.
Members interjecting.
The SPEAKER: The member from Malvern is warned.
John PESUTTO (Hawthorn – Leader of the Opposition) (14:17): Given his previous apology for his involvement in the banking and financial services state purchase contract, does the Assistant Treasurer apologise for this further breach of the ministerial code of conduct?
Danny PEARSON (Essendon – Minister for Government Services, Assistant Treasurer, Minister for WorkSafe and the TAC, Minister for Consumer Affairs) (14:17): I reject the premise of the Leader of the Opposition’s question and I refer him to my previous answers.