Premier refuses to shut down witness’s claims over whereabouts before 2013 Blairgowrie
Daniel Andrews has addressed claims about his whereabouts before a 2013 crash in which a boy was seriously injured after initially refusing to answer questions.
Victoria
Don't miss out on the headlines from Victoria. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Daniel Andrews has refused to rule out being at a sailing club in the hours prior to a 2013 car crash that resulted in a 15-year-old boy suffering serious injuries, but has emphatically reconfirmed his family was at the beach.
On Sunday, the Herald Sun revealed Jane Crittenden, who was first on the crash scene, said Mr Andrews and his wife Catherine had told her they had been dining at a Mornington Peninsula sailing club.
In a sworn statement as part of Supreme Court proceedings against major law firm Slater & Gordon, Ms Crittenden, 66, stated: “He (Daniel Andrews) … said to me that they were returning from the Sailing Club where they had been having lunch. I distinctly remember him saying these things”.
Since the revelation Mr Andrews has been given several opportunities to deny the claim, but has refused to do so.
After refusing to answer questions about where he was prior to the crash three times on Sunday, Mr Andrews was again asked if he was at the beach.
“Yep, exactly,” Mr Andrews said.
“The facts have not changed. The way that we have relayed those facts in great detail, over a very long period of time, including press conferences that ran well over an hour on this issue and this issue alone, that nothing we have said – because it’s factual – has changed.
“I have nothing to add to what I have detailed at length.”
The latest comment comes after the Premier on Sunday refused to be drawn on the sailing club issue.
“I’ve done plenty of press conferences on this and gone through it at great length, and I have nothing to add, nothing whatsoever,” he said.
More Coverage
Victoria Police ‘frustrated’ at bail laws, senior cop admits
One of the state’s senior police officers has revealed the force is pushing for change in the justice system after arrests for serious crimes hit a record number in the past year.
Minister denies Allan’s future as leader in doubt, despite dire polling
Senior Labor minister Gabrielle Williams has defended Jacinta Allan’s record as Werribee residents head to the polls, saying there is “absolutely no appetite” for a leadership change.