John Pesutto says an inquiry would give Victorians the answers they are owed by the Premier

The opposition’s push for an inquiry into Daniel Andrews’ China mission now hinges on the support of two MPs after being rejected by the Greens.

The state Opposition remains hopeful it can establish a probe into Daniel Andrews’ four-day trip to China.

The Greens have ruled out supporting a move to establish an inquiry into the trade mission, meaning any vote is unlikely to secure enough support to pass parliament.

However a motion will be put to the Upper House when parliament resumes next month.

If defeated, the Opposition will seek to have the committee self-refer terms of reference to be interrogated.

There are hopes the China trip probe may still go ahead. Picture: Instagram

It would require the support of committee chair Georgie Purcell, from the Animal Justice Party, and Liberal Democrat David Limbrick.

Leader of the Opposition, John Pesutto, said an inquiry would provide Victorians the answers they are owed by the Premier.

“Trade missions are vital but secretive ones are not. Victorians deserve to know why journalists, industry leaders and trade experts were all excluded from this trip,” Mr Pesutto said.

“So far all the Premier has to show for his trip is the establishment of three working groups.

“With Victorians facing job cuts and growing cost of living pressures, the Premier must explain the purpose and benefits of this trip to the Victorian community.”

The inquiry would call witnesses including the Secretary of the Department of Premier and Cabinet, Jeremi Moule, other state officials who were involved in the planning of the trip and Victorian media representatives.

Mr Andrews could be called, but not compelled to appear, by the committee,

Terms of reference made public on Monday would require to committee to investigate whether the transparency and accountability of the trip was affected by the Premier’s decision to travel without media accompaniment as well as the timing of the decision to travel to China.

An inquiry into the Premier’s China trip would call witnesses. Picture: Supplied

It will also probe whether the mission should have been accompanied by relevant trade and investment officials, and whether the Premier discussed Victoria’s infrastructure program or critical human rights issues with the Chinese and Provincial governments, including the plight of the Uighurs and the case of Victorian journalist Cheng Lei.

Shadow Special Minister of State, David Davis, said the proposed inquiry would get to the bottom of the most secretive trade mission in recent memory.

“Victorians deserve to know the truth about this secret trip and this inquiry will help get the information Daniel Andrews is so keen to keep hidden,” Mr Davis said.

“Why were journalists excluded? Why were industry experts left at home? Why won’t Daniel Andrews answer basic questions over his meetings or the benefits this trip will bring to Victorians? These questions and others must be answered.

“It is incumbent on the crossbench to seriously consider these important issues which go to the heart of Government transparency.”