Wednesday, 13 May 2026

 Jess WILSON (Kew – Leader of the Opposition) (14:11): My question is to the Premier. The Premier claims her dodgy deal with the Lottery Corporation ‘went through a tender process’. Can the Premier name a single operator other than the Lottery Corporation that was invited to bid?

 Jacinta ALLAN (Bendigo East – Premier) (14:12): I addressed this question on budget day last week. There was a process, it was governed by the appropriate probity arrangements and it was consistent with arrangements in place in other jurisdictions.

 Jess WILSON (Kew – Leader of the Opposition) (14:12): I do not think the Premier quite knows what a tender is. Why should –

Members interjecting.

The SPEAKER: The Leader of the Opposition and the Premier will come to order. The Leader of the Opposition will ask her question without assistance.

Jess WILSON: Why should Victorians believe the government has received value for money when only one business was invited to bid?

 Jacinta ALLAN (Bendigo East – Premier) (14:13): As I said in my earlier answer, I have addressed the issue of the process for this lottery licence. But I will also be clear that as a result of the process I am advised it has delivered the highest price ever paid to operate an Australian lottery licence. I appreciate that is perhaps inconvenient advice for the Leader of the Opposition. That is a matter for the Leader of the Opposition. But of course what is also inconvenient –

Danny O’Brien: On a point of order, Speaker, I wonder whether to assist the house the Premier could provide that advice to the house.

The SPEAKER: That is not a point of order. The Premier has concluded her answer.

Cindy McLeish: On a point of order, Speaker, on the Premier’s response, the Premier was mid-sentence when she sat down. She had not concluded her answer.

The SPEAKER: That is not a point of order.

Members interjecting.

The SPEAKER: The member for Eildon is warned.