Denis Napthine in limbo, appeals to Labor

MAVERICK independent MP Geoff Shaw’s suspension has left Victoria facing a rocky path to the November 29 election.

Victorian Premier Denis Napthine in question time yesterday. Picture: AAP

MAVERICK independent MP Geoff Shaw’s suspension has left Victoria facing a rocky path to the November 29 election, with the Napthine government unable to guarantee legislation will pass and its parliamentary agenda in limbo.

Premier Denis Napthine yesterday appealed to Labor to pass forthcoming legislation relating to tougher sentencing for drug-traffickers and culpable drivers.

Dr Napthine said Labor leader Daniel Andrews should not become a “wrecking political gameplayer” and should support the government’s legislative agenda.

But the government could be at the mercy of the opposition until September 2, when Mr Shaw is scheduled to return, because of the numbers on the floor of the parliament being tied 43-43.

While Liberal Speaker Christine Fyffe can at times vote with the government, it is often the case that after a tied vote the Speaker votes with the status quo, or no change.

When Mr Shaw returns, the government’s situation could worsen because it could no longer guarantee his vote due to Dr Napthine’s decision this week to fine and suspend him for rorting his vehicle and petrol allowances.

There is still a strong chance the government will expel Mr Shaw if he fails to adhere exactly to the terms of his suspension.

Ms Fyffe said yesterday she would be using her casting vote responsibly and the parliament should be able to function if the government and the oppos­ition negotiated.

“Parliament will work: look at history, it will work well,” she said.

The government this week was unable to set up its own business program in order to control its legislative agenda. The program enables it to manage its agenda, setting out its priorities and enabling easier passage of laws if the debate is stifled.

Dr Napthine yesterday could not say whether the business ­program would be passed by the parliament.

“We will be putting forward a government business program at the next sitting week,” he said.

“We would expect if Daniel Andrews wants to be constructive and positive about the future of Victoria, he should support the government business program.

“Daniel Andrews needs to come on board and vote for Victoria instead of voting to be a wrecking political game-player.”

Mr Andrews said Dr Napthine, who was handed the premiership last year, was an unelected premier who did not have the people’s mandate to fall back on.

He said Labor had never intend­ed to side with Mr Shaw in a no-confidence motion that would have brought down the government.

“If Mr Shaw does present here on the second of September and apologises, it will be the first act of contrition, the first remorse he has ever shown,” Mr Andrews said. “We ought to have expelled Geoff Shaw last night and ended this entire fiasco, this mess.”

Mr Shaw has been fined more than $6800 for rorting has car and petrol allowances, suspended for 11 sitting days and ordered to apologise to the parliament for his actions.

Failure to adhere to the ruling will lead to his expulsion from parliament.