Thursday, 13 August 2026

 James NEWBURY (Brighton) (14:23): My question is to the Premier. Why is a man who police allege is the sergeant-at-arms of the Finks outlaw motorcycle gang working on the North East Link?

Members interjecting.

James NEWBURY: On a point of order, Deputy Speaker, is it appropriate for the Premier to be scripted in his response? I asked the Premier. He should be capable of answering.

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

 Ben CARROLL (Niddrie – Premier) (14:23): We have zero tolerance for any of that poor behaviour, and I understand –

Members interjecting.

Ben CARROLL: Do you want the answer?

James Newbury: On a point of order, Deputy Speaker, on relevance, he is working on a government project.

Members interjecting.

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! To assist the house, members have every right to raise points of order on any conduct in the house, but members also know what is a point of order and what is not. It is frustrating when points of order are raised continually that are not points of order. I am not about to stop members raising points of order, because they have the right to do so, but it is frustrating and it does not help the conduct of the house. I would prefer it if members realised that.

Ben CARROLL: If the member for Brighton had let me finish, I was going to inform him that this person has been stood down.

 James NEWBURY (Brighton) (14:25): The Mick Gatto–linked M1 Group is still licensed to operate on the North East Link. I am happy to provide that active licence to the Premier. There is the licence. If integrity is no longer optional, why hasn’t the Premier cut the licence –

Members interjecting.

James NEWBURY: May I start again?

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Start again, without assistance. This can take a very long time. It is up to all of you.

James NEWBURY: The Mick Gatto–linked M1 Group is still licensed to operate on the North East Link, and I have provided the licence to the Premier. If integrity is no longer optional, why hasn’t the Premier cut the licence and kicked M1 off the Big Build?

 Ben CARROLL (Niddrie – Premier) (14:26): We have zero tolerance for any illegal sort of behaviour, and that is why I have called a royal commission into the construction sector.