Tuesday, 11 August 2026

 Jess WILSON (Kew – Leader of the Opposition) (14:06): My question is to the Premier. If government integrity is no longer optional, why hasn’t the Premier sacked Tony Bates?

 Ben CARROLL (Niddrie – Premier) (14:06): I made it very clear that I accepted all recommendations from that report, and I am getting on with implementing them.

James Newbury: On a point of order, Speaker, on relevance, this was a very, very, very detailed question that was very simple, and the Premier is refusing to answer the substance of the question.

The SPEAKER: I cannot tell the Premier how to answer the question. The Premier has concluded his answer.

 Jess WILSON (Kew – Leader of the Opposition) (14:07): The Premier has said that both Tony Bates and Lisa Neville must consider their positions. Isn’t it the case that the Premier has said they must consider their positions because he is too weak to sack his friends?

Members interjecting.

The SPEAKER: Members will come to order. The member for Gippsland East is warned.

 Ben CARROLL (Niddrie – Premier) (14:07): Compared to those opposite, the government I lead ‍–

Members interjecting.

The SPEAKER: Order! Members will come to order. Members will be removed from the chamber without warning, member for Yan Yean.

James Newbury: On a point of order, Speaker, sledging is not relevant.

Anthony Carbines: On the point of order, Speaker, Rulings from the Chair is very clear:

Points of order must not be used to deliberately disrupt the proceedings or to respond to debate.

The SPEAKER: The Premier has only commenced his answer. I call on the Premier to answer the question that was asked.

Ben CARROLL: The government I lead will follow due process, and that is what I will do.