Questions without notice and ministers statements
Member conduct
David DAVIS (Southern Metropolitan) (12:03): (81) My question is to the Leader of the Government in her capacity as the minister representing the Premier. I refer to the repeated and grubby, conflicted decisions made by the Assistant Treasurer Danny Pearson that are advantageous to firms in which he has substantial shareholdings. In particular I refer to the briefing signed by Mr Pearson on 25 June 2021 in which he approved DTF to enter into new telecommunication leases with Telstra Corporation, despite holding a substantial parcel of shares in Telstra. I ask: will the Premier sack Pearson for his corrupt conflicts of interest?
The PRESIDENT: Mr Davis, I am going to put the question, but I will just alert you that, if you are going to move into allegations about a sitting member, you need to do it by substantive motion.
Jaclyn SYMES (Northern Victoria – Attorney-General, Minister for Emergency Services) (12:04): I was not expecting this question today, Mr Davis, but there we go. It is a question for the Premier. I am sure that he can respond, but there are similar answers that I have given previously in relation to this matter. Minister Pearson was elected the same year I was. We have been in this place together eight years, and he has disclosed his interests every year in accordance with the rules. He has disclosed all of his interests, he has acted appropriately, he has now entered into other arrangements to ensure that the perception of any conflict is covered and he has again and again answered these questions himself. My answer stands. However, as you have directed that to the Premier, I am happy to pass it on to him for further response.
David DAVIS (Southern Metropolitan) (12:06): Minister Danny Pearson swore a ministerial oath to act without fear or favour, and I ask the Premier, through you, Minister: how is signing lucrative leases for a firm the Assistant Treasurer holds shares in consistent with his ministerial oath?
Jaclyn SYMES (Northern Victoria – Attorney-General, Minister for Emergency Services) (12:06): I will pass that on to the Premier.