Thursday, 4 May 2023

Ministerial conduct

Georgie CROZIER (Southern Metropolitan) (12:31): (127) My question is to the Minister for Corrections. Minister, in addition to your register of interests to this Parliament, does your ministerial office also maintain an up-to-date register for gifts and hospitality you receive as minister valued at more than $50?

Enver ERDOGAN (Northern Metropolitan – Minister for Corrections, Minister for Youth Justice, Minister for Victim Support) (12:32): All members of Parliament need to disclose any gifts that they receive above that value. You should know that as part of your register of interests. As a member of Parliament, I undertake to do that anyway.

Georgie CROZIER (Southern Metropolitan) (12:32): Minister, I take that as a no, because it was not about our pecuniary interests as MPs; it was about your ministerial office. Does your ministerial office also maintain an up-to-date register for gifts and hospitality you receive as minister valued at more than $50? But the supplementary –

Enver Erdogan interjected.

Georgie CROZIER: I take it as a no; you can correct me if I am wrong. Minister, since being sworn in, how many times have you accepted hospitality gifts from organisations relevant to your portfolios?

Enver ERDOGAN (Northern Metropolitan – Minister for Corrections, Minister for Youth Justice, Minister for Victim Support) (12:33): I keep track of any gifts I receive in this office, in particular above that value and in particular as I take those responsibilities very seriously. I have not received any hospitality from any of the stakeholders within my portfolio so far. And if I do, I will disclose it as part of the normal course.

Georgie Crozier: Do you have a register?

Enver ERDOGAN: I keep a register internally of any gifts I receive as a member of Parliament. I have made that clear, and I will continue that practice as a minister as well.