Member conduct
Mr DAVIS (Southern Metropolitan—Leader of the Opposition) (11:46): My question is for the Minister for Workplace Safety. Minister, I refer to the WorkSafe investigation into Premier Daniel Andrews’s office in relation to the bullying of Ms Vaghela, a member of this chamber, by a number of people within that office. Does Ms Vaghela deserve a safe workplace like all other Victorian employees?
Ms STITT (Western Metropolitan—Minister for Workplace Safety, Minister for Early Childhood) (11:47): I thank Mr Davis for his question. Of course I am aware of the media reports that a complaint has been made to WorkSafe by the opposition spokesperson, Mr Wakeling. I understand from those reports that WorkSafe is considering the matters in the complaint consistent with its normal procedure. As you are well aware and as I have said consistently in the house since I became the Minister for Workplace Safety, I do not direct WorkSafe’s compliance and enforcement activities, and I am not going to be drawn into commentary on matters that are before the safety regulator.
Mr DAVIS (Southern Metropolitan—Leader of the Opposition) (11:48): That was extraordinary. The minister could not utter the words that Ms Vaghela deserves a safe workplace like all other Victorians. But I ask again a very simple question of the minister: do you believe Ms Vaghela?
Ms STITT (Western Metropolitan—Minister for Workplace Safety, Minister for Early Childhood) (11:48): I do note Mr Davis often and regularly verbals me in the chamber. He is also asking me for an opinion. But I will remain consistent; I will not be drawn into commentary about these matters. The opposition can invite me to do so as much as they like, but I have been consistent in the house since day one. These are matters before the independent safety regulator, and I will not be running a commentary.
Mr DAVIS (Southern Metropolitan—Leader of the Opposition) (11:49): I move:
That the minister’s answer be taken into account on the next day of meeting.
Motion agreed to.