Tuesday, 17 February 2026

 Richard WELCH (North-Eastern Metropolitan) (13:53): My question is to the Minister for Industrial Relations. Since 2018 the Victorian government has given Incolink $12 million of taxpayer grants. Incolink in turn paid $9 million to the CFMEU. Is the minister aware that Incolink is still giving money to the CFMEU, even though it is in administration?

The PRESIDENT: That has nothing to do with the minister’s responsibility. It is actually a function of an industry.

Members interjecting.

The PRESIDENT: Incolink is a function of the construction industry, which involves stakeholders that include employers as well.

Richard WELCH: On a point of order, President, if I may, it is subject to government grants. It is the accountability for the grant from government that I am concerned with.

Jaclyn Symes: Which grant?

Richard Welch: The $12 million and the other $26 million.

The PRESIDENT: I will let the Treasurer answer as she sees fit.

 Jaclyn SYMES (Northern Victoria – Treasurer, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Regional Development) (13:55): There are lots of questions that could come to the Minister for Industrial Relations, but this is certainly not one of them, as you picked up before the question had even finished I think, President. Mr Welch, I am more than happy to have a conversation with you – we regularly exchange at the bench down there – but perhaps if you pick something within the remit of my portfolio, we can continue that conversation.

 Richard WELCH (North-Eastern Metropolitan) (13:55): I think the Victorian people can clearly see that the nature of that answer completely skirts around the point that is at stake and that this government has no concern for the use of taxpayer money, where it goes or who it goes to. I will ask the minister, if you have any care for these matters, guarantee that no taxpayer money has been funnelled through Incolink to corrupt CFMEU officials to pay for strippers, thugs and criminal operations?

 Jaclyn SYMES (Northern Victoria – Treasurer, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Regional Development) (13:56): I believe it is still to me as Minister for Industrial Relations. But in any event, Mr Welch, we have rigorous governance arrangements in relation to matters such as this. You did not respond to any of the interjections to even indicate which department or minister that you are seeking this information from. I am more than happy to talk to you offline and help you craft the question that perhaps can get you the answer that you want from the relevant minister.

 Richard WELCH (North-Eastern Metropolitan) (13:57): I move:

That the minister’s answer be taken into consideration on the next day of meeting.

Members interjecting.

Richard WELCH: Rigorous – $15 billion worth of rigorous.

The PRESIDENT: This is why I sometimes regret letting a question go to a minister when it is clearly not within their remit. I rely on the ministers actually wanting to assist the chamber.

Motion agreed to.