Family conflict concerns sparks bombshell move from new planning Minister Lizzie Blandthorn
Victoria’s new planning minister has made a bombshell move that could spark compensation claims from a lobby group.
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Victoria’s new planning minister Lizzie Blandthorn will remove herself from decisions on matters that involve a lobbying company where her brother is a director.
Hawker Britton, which is a Labor-aligned firm that represents dozens of major companies in development, construction and renewable energy, will also be banned from contacting Ms Blandthorn or her office about planning matters.
The bombshell move, which was described by Hawker Britton as “extreme”, has the potential to affect projects across the state and could see the lobby group seek legal advice on potential compensation measures.
Ms Blandthorn’s brother, John-Paul Blandthorn, is a director of Hawker Britton, and has not contacted his sister — even for family matters — while the government considered how to deal with the conflict matter.
The Victorian Lobbyist Register shows Hawker Britton clients include Caydon Developments, Corandirk Developments, Intrapac, and the Dennis Family Corporation.
It also represents large builders and financing companies involved in major projects — such as John Holland on the West Gate Tunnel and Capella Capital.
A government spokesperson said that it was standard practice to have alternate ministers make decisions if there was a risk of potential conflict.
“Hawker Britton has been advised that the Minister for Planning will exclude herself from any planning decision making that involves or mentions a client of Hawker Britton,” the spokesperson said.
“In relation to the administration of the planning portfolio, there will be no contact between Hawker Britton and the Minister, or her office.
“There will also be no contact between Hawker Britton and the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning.
“The Minister looks forward to continuing to work with local communities to deliver the best planning outcomes for Victorians.”
As an added safeguard, the minister who is delegated to make decisions involving Hawker Britton clients would not be able to have contact with Hawker Britton on planning matters.
Lizzie Blandthorn was appointed to the ministerial role by Premier Daniel Andrews following the retirement of Richard Wynne last month.
Managing Director of Hawker Britton, Simon Banks, said the company was disappointed by the ruling and “regards it as extreme” but will comply “as we always have with any lawful direction of the Victorian Government”.
“Hawker Britton have always upheld the highest level of integrity and transparency when conducting lobbyist work in Victoria and across the country and are considered market leaders on integrity within the regulated lobbyist industry,” he said.
“It is important to note that at no time has there been any implication or accusation of wrongdoing or impropriety by Hawker Britton or any of its staff, including John-Paul Blandthorn.
“Hawker Britton welcomes any initiative to ensure that the lobbying sector is properly and fairly regulated and believes that this should include the regulation of currently non-registered lobbyists.”
Opposition planning spokesman Ryan Smith said Mr Andrews had appointed Ms Blandthorn to the role and now the government “twists itself in knots to suggest that an alternative Minister will deal with issues of conflict with Hawker Britton”
“There are a dozen portfolios that Ms Blandthorn could have been appointed to yet Daniel Andrews, in his wisdom, gave her the one most designed to cause conflict and confusion,” he said.
“With Andrews and his government mired neck-deep in corruption allegations, this is yet another example of why the public’s trust in this government is at record lows.
“The government’s statement is all about an attempt to make things seem legitimate, without any thought to them actually being legitimate.”
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