Double trouble as Napthine tries to delay vote on rebel MP Geoff Shaw

THE Napthine government will try to delay a debate over a Coalition MP who pleaded guilty to three criminal firearms charges.

THE accident-prone Napthine government will try to delay a ­potentially career-ending debate over a rebel Liberal independent as another Coalition MP ­yesterday pleaded guilty to three criminal firearms charges and was placed on a 12-month good behaviour bond.

Victorian Premier Denis Napthine confirmed the Coalition would seek to delay debate over the future of independent Geoff Shaw until the last week of this month at the earliest.

Dr Napthine’s decision comes as the Coalition, Labor and the parliament try to work through the constitutional implications caused by a looming parliamentary vote after Mr Shaw was found to have rorted his car and petrol allowances.

Labor wants to combine with disgruntled former Liberal Speaker Ken Smith to force a vote ruling Mr Shaw was in contempt of parliament, possibly triggering a by-election. The controversy comes as Nationals MP Peter Crisp pleaded guilty to gun charges after a recent theft on his NSW farm. Six other charges were ­either dismissed or withdrawn.

Police had charged Mr Crisp with nine offences, with the most serious carrying penalties severe enough for him to become disqualified to remain in parliament.

Mr Crisp still faces a police inquiry into a complaint suggesting he may have also committed firearms offences in Victoria.

The twin challenges facing the government have alarmed ­Coalition strategists as they ­attempt to recover from the political impact of the federal budget.

There is also a growing backlash in the Coalition over the decision by Mr Smith to vote with Labor to censure Mr Shaw or have him suspended.

The numbers are so tight Mr Smith can combine with Labor to suspend and fine Mr Shaw after Labor found he should be censured by parliament for using his car and petrol card for private gain.

Dr Napthine said yesterday his priority was ensuring that the budget passed through the parliament, not that a debate was held over Mr Shaw.

Deputy Premier Peter Ryan said the gun charges had been an ordeal for Mr Crisp.

“It has been a difficult few months for Mr Crisp,” he said.

“Now that this matter is resolved, he can continue his hard-working representation of the people of Mildura.’’