Wednesday, 13 May 2026

 James NEWBURY (Brighton) (14:16): My question is to the Premier. Under the Gambling Regulation Act, the government is required to appoint a review panel into the process for issuing a lottery licence, which the minister confirmed occurred. Did any member of the review panel have links to the Labor Party?

 Jacinta ALLAN (Bendigo East – Premier) (14:16): I remind the member for Brighton that the minister is a member of the Labor Party.

James Newbury: On a point of order, Speaker, on relevance, the question asked whether any member of the review panel had any links to the Labor Party.

The SPEAKER: It is not for me to determine whether – the Premier.

Jacinta ALLAN: These processes are managed independently, and if the member for Brighton has an allegation to make –

Members interjecting.

Jacinta ALLAN: I am answering your question.

James Newbury: On a further point of order, Speaker, on relevance, I asked a question, which is allowed in question time, and I would hope that the Premier has the capacity to answer the question.

The SPEAKER: The Premier still has 2½ minutes to answer the question.

Jacinta ALLAN: I am also reminded of allegations the member for Brighton made around donations. As it transpires, the company has made significant donations to the Liberal Party.

James Newbury: On a further point of order, Speaker, the Premier is required to be direct. This question asked whether any member of this hidden panel had links to the Labor Party. That was the question.

The SPEAKER: Member for Brighton, I ask you not to repeat the question in your point of order. The Premier has concluded her answer.

 James NEWBURY (Brighton) (14:18): Why has the government hidden and failed to release the review panel’s report?

 Jacinta ALLAN (Bendigo East – Premier) (14:18): Given the member for Brighton’s record, I will have to check that question.

Members interjecting.

The SPEAKER: Member for South-West Coast, this is your second warning.