Tuesday, 16 May 2023

 David DAVIS (Southern Metropolitan) (13:02): (131) My question is again to the Minister for Water. Minister, isn’t it a fact that your office edited the February Melbourne Water Wimbush statement, including by removing a reference to Nick Wimbush’s resignation being in the ‘best interests of the review and the community’?

 Harriet SHING (Eastern Victoria – Minister for Water, Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Commonwealth Games Legacy, Minister for Equality) (13:03): Mr Davis, as I have said, I am not the decision-maker when it comes to the work that Melbourne Water is undertaking as part of its independent review into matters that had a significant impact on the community during and after the October 2022 floods. There is, as I have said previously, a regular exchange of information which enables me to stay apprised of the work that is taking place within departments and indeed across agencies and organisations. As I have also indicated, I would be derelict in my duties if I did not take the opportunity to apprise myself of detail of the work being undertaken by agencies, organisations and departments. On that basis, Mr Davis, it is really important to note that the work of the independent review is independent and I am not the decision-maker in relation to any of those matters that Melbourne Water is working on and continues to work on at this point in time.

David Davis: On a point of order, President, the minister has not answered the very simple question of whether she changed the document.

The PRESIDENT: I do not uphold the point of order.

 David DAVIS (Southern Metropolitan) (13:04): Minister, isn’t it a fact that on 8 February in this place you denied your involvement in decisions concerning Mr Wimbush’s clear conflict of interest and his sacking from the review, despite having received emails on 6 and 7 February, and that in fact you were up to your neck in the Wimbush saga?

 Harriet SHING (Eastern Victoria – Minister for Water, Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Commonwealth Games Legacy, Minister for Equality) (13:05): Thank you, Mr Davis. I have addressed this question on a number of occasions now, and to that end I would refer you to my previous answers.

David Davis: On a point of order, President, it was a very simple question about whether she was in fact involved on 8 February, stating her involvement in decisions here –

The PRESIDENT: Mr Davis, you have asked your question. You do not need to ask it again.