Thursday, 5 February 2026

 David DAVIS (Southern Metropolitan) (12:00): My question is to the Treasurer. Treasurer, on Tuesday you indicated you had personally signed a number of letters of comfort. I therefore ask: how many letters of comfort have you signed in relation to annual reports for the 2024–25 financial year?

 Jaclyn SYMES (Northern Victoria – Treasurer, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Regional Development) (12:00): I thank Mr Davis for his question. I do not need to repeat my answer from Tuesday that gave the –

David Davis interjected.

Jaclyn SYMES: Your question is narrow; that is why I am respecting the narrowness of your question. But without revisiting the explanation and completely justified reason that the government issues letters of comfort because it is financially responsible to do so, Mr Davis, let me get the exact number for you and I will come back to you with that advice.

 David DAVIS (Southern Metropolitan) (12:01): Thank you, Treasurer. Treasurer, I also ask: how many letters of comfort for the 2024–25 financial year were signed by departmental officials or other ministers and not you?

 Jaclyn SYMES (Northern Victoria – Treasurer, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Regional Development) (12:01): Mr Davis, certainly there will be instances of other ministers signing letters of support or comfort. That has been custom and practice over many, many years and is also practised in other jurisdictions. Again, this is prudent. This is responsible financial management. In relation to your supplementary question, again, you have asked for a specific number. I do not have that at hand. I will endeavour to provide that to you in accordance with the standing orders.