Tuesday, 25 August 2026

 Jess WILSON (Kew – Leader of the Opposition) (14:17): My question is to the Minister for Roads and Road Safety. On 5 March the opposition asked the then Premier why Gatto-linked M Group companies were accredited traffic management companies. Following this, why did the minister’s department choose to extend a $495,000 contract with M1 Traffic & Labour instead of cancelling it and striking M Group off the list of accredited traffic management companies?

 Paul HAMER (Box Hill – Minister for Roads and Road Safety) (14:18): I thank the Leader of the Opposition for her question. As our Premier has stated on many occasions, integrity is not optional under this government. That is why we have called a royal commission, and all of those matters will be dealt with under the royal commission.

James Newbury: On a point of order, Speaker, to assist the minister I provide the contract note for his reference.

The SPEAKER: That is not a point of order. The minister has concluded his answer.

 Jess WILSON (Kew – Leader of the Opposition) (14:18): How can the minister justify allowing Gatto-linked M Group companies to remain accredited traffic management companies five months after the government was put on notice about them?

 Paul HAMER (Box Hill – Minister for Roads and Road Safety) (14:19): It is a matter for the Labour Hire Authority, and all other matters will be referred to the royal commission.

James Newbury: On a further point of order, Speaker, on relevance, if this government is simply a group of Gatto mates, they should just say it.

The SPEAKER: The member for Brighton knows how to raise a correct point of order, and that is not the correct way.

John Lister interjected.

The SPEAKER: The member for Werribee can leave the chamber for an hour.

Member for Werribee withdrew from chamber.