Tuesday, 2 May 2023

Parliamentary Budget Officer

David DAVIS (Southern Metropolitan) (13:44): (107) My question is to the minister representing the Treasurer. Minister, what communications did the Treasurer or the Treasurer’s office have with the chair of the Public Accounts and Estimates Committee or other Labor members of that committee regarding the reappointment of Mr Anthony Close?

Jaclyn SYMES (Northern Victoria – Attorney-General, Minister for Emergency Services) (13:45): I thank Mr Davis for his question. I will obtain a response from the Treasurer.

David DAVIS (Southern Metropolitan) (13:45): My supplementary to the minister representing the Treasurer is: isn’t it a fact that, after the PBO reports on Victoria’s spiralling debt and the report that stated the true cost of two stages of the Suburban Rail Loop was $125 billion, the government had it in for Mr Close and was determined to axe him, effectively silencing an independent officer?

Jaclyn SYMES (Northern Victoria – Attorney-General, Minister for Emergency Services) (13:45): No.