Thursday, 13 August 2026

 Jess WILSON (Kew – Leader of the Opposition) (14:02): My question is to the Premier. Has the Premier always treated taxpayer money with respect?

 Ben CARROLL (Niddrie – Premier) (14:03): With respect, responsibly and carefully.

Members interjecting.

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! I know it is the last day of the week, but we can do this civilly. The member for Footscray is warned.

 Jess WILSON (Kew – Leader of the Opposition) (14:03): If the Premier has always treated taxpayer money with respect –

Members interjecting.

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: The member for Essendon is also warned. I am making a list.

Jess WILSON: If the Premier has always treated taxpayer money with respect, why did WorkSafe spend nearly $600,000 on coffee machines under his watch?

Members interjecting.

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! I can see my knees are going to get a workout today. Point Cook! Essendon – that is twice.

 Ben CARROLL (Niddrie – Premier) (14:04): I will make two comments. First and foremost, WorkSafe are an independent agency. Secondly, why did you approve farewell first-class tours overseas for the people that are exiting Parliament?

Brad Rowswell: On a point of order, Deputy Speaker, I would like to make available to the house a more economic alternative to whatever that was.

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! The member for Sandringham can apologise and leave the chamber for an hour and a half.

Brad Rowswell: I apologise.

Member for Sandringham withdrew from chamber.

James Newbury: On a further point of order, Deputy Speaker, if it assists the Premier, I can provide the contract details of that expense.

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: That is not a point of order, member for Brighton.

Ben CARROLL: We respect our money. We do not let people travel overseas when they are exiting Parliament.