Thursday, 27 August 2026

 Matthew GUY (Bulleen) (14:13): My question is to the Premier. Can the Premier confirm that, when he was sworn in last month, contained in his incoming briefs was a draft of the VAGO report into the Suburban Rail Loop, which, as we know, outlined VAGO’s concerns with this secret $8 billion tax?

 Ben CARROLL (Niddrie – Premier) (14:14): I absolutely reject the premise of the question. Captain Integrity over there – no way, mate.

Members interjecting.

The SPEAKER: Member for Euroa! The house will come to order. The Leader of the Opposition is warned. The member for Yan Yean is warned. The member for Euroa is warned. Premier, when you address the house, you do it through the Chair. The member for Bulleen on a supplementary question, and not across the table.

 Matthew GUY (Bulleen) (14:14): The Deputy Premier said this morning in relation to the government’s $8 billion secret SRL tax she was not aware:

… that there’d been any proactive decision to keep components of that increase hidden from public view.

Isn’t it the case that the now Premier attended the meeting of the budget and finance committee, where the now Deputy Premier was in attendance and was authorised to decide how this secret tax should or would be communicated to the public?

 Ben CARROLL (Niddrie – Premier) (14:15): I completely reject the premise of the question. I am the Premier now, taking the state in a new direction.

James Newbury: On a point of order, Speaker, I am concerned that the Premier is misleading the house.

The SPEAKER: There are correct ways to raise that, member for Brighton. It is not through a point of order.