Victoria Police
Brad BATTIN (Berwick – Leader of the Opposition) (14:08): My question is to the Minister for Police. Why was deputy commissioner Neil Paterson sacked after 37 years of service?
Anthony CARBINES (Ivanhoe – Minister for Police, Minister for Community Safety, Minister for Victims, Minister for Racing) (14:09): I thank the Leader of the Opposition for his question. I completely reject the premise of the question. It is an absurd notion. I have read the baseless allegations that have been reported today, and I make it very clear that we do not plan to politicise the matters that have been forwarded. The claims made by the Leader of the Opposition are absolutely false, and I reject the premise of the question completely.
Bridget Vallence: On a point of order, Speaker, the minister was debating the question. It was very narrow: why did the government sack this very experienced police officer?
The SPEAKER: The minister has answered the question. The minister has concluded his answer.
Brad BATTIN (Berwick – Leader of the Opposition) (14:09): Did the minister or anyone in his private office or department directly contact the Victoria Police commissioner Rick Nugent to dismiss the then deputy commissioner Neil Paterson?
Anthony CARBINES (Ivanhoe – Minister for Police, Minister for Community Safety, Minister for Victims, Minister for Racing) (14:10): In acknowledging the supplementary question from the Leader of the Opposition, again I make it very clear Mr Paterson is on leave of his own choosing and the claims and the premise of the question from the Leader of the Opposition are baseless and false.
Bridget Vallence: Speaker, on a point of order on relevance, the question was about anyone from the minister’s private office taking these actions. Could he be directed to be relevant to the question?
The SPEAKER: The minister has concluded his answer.
Members interjecting.
The SPEAKER: The member for Polwarth can leave the chamber for an hour. Would anyone else like to speak while I am on my feet? The minister has concluded his answer.
Member for Polwarth withdrew from chamber.