Thursday, 27 August 2026

 Jess WILSON (Kew – Leader of the Opposition) (14:07): My question is to the Premier. Given the Premier says integrity is no longer optional, why didn’t he reveal the secret $8 billion tax on day one as Premier and apologise then?

 Ben CARROLL (Niddrie – Premier) (14:07): On that side they look to the past. We look to the future, and we have abolished it.

James Newbury: On a point of order, Speaker, on relevance, the question was: why did the Premier hide the tax?

The SPEAKER: There is no need to repeat the question in a point of order, member for Brighton.

Ben CARROLL: On public transport services our record speaks for itself. You cut train lines, we cut fares.

The SPEAKER: The Premier is reminded to address his comments through the Chair.

Anthony Cianflone interjected.

The SPEAKER: The member for Pascoe Vale can leave the chamber for half an hour.

Member for Pascoe Vale withdrew from chamber.

James Newbury: On a point of order, Speaker, the Premier is required to be direct in his response, and he has not dealt with the substance of the question.

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

 Jess WILSON (Kew – Leader of the Opposition) (14:08): This morning the Premier revealed he has asked his department to find out whether there are any other charges that might need to be made public. Why does the Premier not know how many secret taxes his own government has imposed on Victorians?

 Ben CARROLL (Niddrie – Premier) (14:09): Can’t you imagine the secret side deals and secret side letters they are working on right now?

James Newbury: On a point of order, Speaker, on relevance, this is simply appalling. It is absolutely appalling.

The SPEAKER: What is the point of order, member for Brighton?

James Newbury: On relevance, the Premier is simply being evasive.

Anthony Carbines: On the point of order, Speaker, points of order must not be used to deliberately disrupt the proceedings or to respond to debate.

The SPEAKER: I uphold the point of order on relevance. However, I remind the member for Brighton that a point of order is not an opportunity to make a statement to the house.

Ben CARROLL: I will not relitigate the past, I will fix it.