Government ministers in sorry state over whether to expel Geoff Shaw

SENIOR Government ministers held crisis talks Monday amid divisions over whether or not they should try to expel rebel MP Geoff Shaw.

FRANKSTON,AUSTRALIA-28 AUGUST 2014: Photo of Frankston MP Geoff Shaw near his office on 28 Thursday 2014. THE AUSTRLIAN / LUIS ENRIQUE ASCUI

SENIOR State Government ministers held crisis talks Monday amid divisions over whether they should try to expel rebel MP Geoff Shaw.

The Frankston MP, who has been suspended since June, is due to return to Parliament Tuesday afternoon where he must make an apology to Parliament and the Victorian people or risk becoming the first MP expelled in more than a century.

Senior Government ministers met Monday to discuss how to respond should Mr Shaw apologise.

Sources say Cabinet is divided between those who want to use any excuse to expel Mr Shaw and those who think punting him will set a dangerous precedent should Labor form government after November’s state election.

But the Frankston MP has told the Herald Sun he has prepared an apology and will abide by the motion.

“You would think the Government would be big enough and mature enough to follow the motion of the House,” Mr Shaw said.

Any government attempt to boot Mr Shaw would require Labor votes, which are unlikely. One source said: “He’s their problem now.”

Mr Shaw last week repaid almost $7000 for having misused his parliamentary vehicle. Should he apologise, he will regain the balance of power.

Mr Shaw can apologise through a personal explanation, via a 90-second Member’s statement, or he can seek leave to speak during a break in government business.

It is expected Mr Shaw will apologise immediately before or after Question Time.