Labor MPs may face new rorts-for-votes probe

PRESSURE is mounting on three Geelong region MPs over the Labor rorts-for-votes scandal, with a new probe likely.

The state opposition announced its draft terms of reference on Monday for a new select committee inquiry.

It follows on from the Victorian Ombudsman’s report into the rorts-for-votes scheme which found up to $388,000 of public money was siphoned to help Labor win the 2014 state election.

“Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney could be required to give evidence re- garding the South Barwon Labor campaign which benefited $20,559,” said Shadow Attorney-General John Pesutto.

“Member for Bellarine, Lisa Neville and Member for Lara, John Eren also have a moral obligation to co-operate with the inquiry after they refused to assist the Ombudsman.

“Voters in the seats of Bellarine, Lara and South Barwon deserve to know the truth about Labor rorting at least $388,000 from taxpayers as well as the involvement members of Parliament.

“Other issues in the terms of reference include finding out the total cost to taxpayers of the legal action in three court cases after the Andrews Government tried to stop the Ombudsman investigation.”

The offices of Ms Tierney, Mr Eren and Ms Neville were contacted by the Geelong Advertiser but did not respond in time for deadline.

The report by Ombudsman Deborah Glass found $20,559 was paid to a staff member in Ms Tierney’s Geelong office, despite the employee being used to campaign for South Barwon Labor candidate Andy Richards.

Mr Eren, the Lara MP, was found to have paid an electorate officer $2358 who was busy campaigning for Ms Neville 15 kilometres away in the seat of Bellarine.