The Upper House of Parliament was obligated to return for a sitting today. But Labor Ministers Symes, Pulford and Tierney refused to attend and answer questions.
These three Labor ministers are paid the big bucks and enjoy being driven around in nice cars, but aren’t happy to be subject to parliamentary scrutiny.
The Andrews Labor Government is the most secretive and viciously powerful government in many years and it must be accountable.
Agriculture Minister Jaclyn Symes is avoiding legitimate questions about cutting the output of Victorian abattoirs by one third.
Small Business Minister Jaala Pulford didn’t turn up to face questions about the thousands of Victorian small businesses Labor have forced to close their doors.
Training, Skills and Higher Education Minister Gayle Tierney refused to show up to face questions about the crisis gripping the entire higher education and training sector.
The Chief Health Officer’s advice on whether Parliament should sit was inconclusive and safety procedures are in place to allow country and regional MPs to participate, as indeed all Opposition and cross bench members are doing.
Comments attributable to Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council, David Davis:
“For a government that considers the opening of bottle shops essential, it remains a mystery why it would consider scrutiny of the harshest restrictions on Victorians’ rights and economic damage since the war would not be deemed essential.
“Workers from Melbourne will be allowed to continue travelling to regional areas to work, providing they have no symptoms. How are Members of Parliament any different?
“These ministers have not faced questions in the Parliament for seven weeks. The Upper House is sitting today and a minister’s duty is to answer questions in Parliament.
“At midnight tomorrow tough new restrictions come into effect, further damaging the economy and jobs, yet these ministers have refused to answer questions.”
