Wednesday, 16 August 2023

Ministerial conduct

Georgie CROZIER (Southern Metropolitan) (12:04): (234) My question is to the Attorney-General. Attorney, it was reported yesterday that branch-stacking activities within the Labor Party in Mill Park involved forging the signatures of dead people. Will the Attorney advise the house what the maximum penalty in Victoria is for falsifying documents in the name of dead people?

Jaclyn SYMES (Northern Victoria – Attorney-General, Minister for Emergency Services) (12:04): You can look it up; it is pretty easy to find. Actually, the last time I had to look it up was in relation to a member of the opposition’s conduct, and he was actually charged with this offence. My recollection is that under the Crimes Act it comes with a maximum penalty of 10 years.

Georgie CROZIER (Southern Metropolitan) (12:05): It is my understanding that the penalty is 10 years.

Members interjecting.

Georgie CROZIER: No, no. I wanted the Attorney to tell the house. That is the point. Will the Attorney-General take action to refer reports of potentially criminal conduct associated with Labor branch stacking to Victoria Police?

Jaclyn SYMES (Northern Victoria – Attorney-General, Minister for Emergency Services) (12:05): Ms Crozier, no.