Gippsland › Latest news › Peter Walsh MP

Daniel Andrews must allow full representation for Northern Victoria

The Victorian Supreme Court today handed down its decision in a case against Daniel Andrews after Labor prevented the swearing in of The Nationals Member for Northern Victoria Luke O’Sullivan.

By Portal Admin - 22nd September 2016 - Back to News

The Supreme Court judgment found the court did not have the power to direct the Parliament to hold a joint sitting.

The judgment was handed down on Wednesday morning in the Supreme Court by presiding member Justice John Dixon.

"While we are disappointed the courts cannot assist further in resolving the matter, we don’t regret challenging Daniel Andrews because he is behaving like a bully and denying the people of Northern Victoria their full representation in parliament," Leader of The Nationals Peter Walsh said.

"The Nationals stand up to bullies – it is why we have pursued all avenues available to us to see this joint sitting held.

"The judgment does not change Daniel Andrews’ obligation, as Premier and responsible Minister for the Constitution Act, to call for the joint sitting for Mr O’Sullivan’s swearing in.

"Enough is enough; the Government must now hold a joint sitting so Mr O’Sullivan can represent the people of Northern Victoria."

The resignation of Senator Stephen Conroy means there must be a joint sitting of the Victorian Parliament to appoint a new Senator.

The Liberal-Nationals Coalition welcomes the opportunity to swear Mr O’Sullivan into the Legislative Council and appoint Senator Conroy’s replacement at the earliest opportunity.

"It’s regrettable this matter has ended up in the Supreme Court, but Daniel Andrews has deprived the people of Northern Victoria their full representation for too long," preselected Member for Northern Victoria Luke O’Sullivan said.

"As the Premier and being responsible for upholding the Constitution, he must do the right thing and call a joint sitting of parliament."

Media contact:

Emma Manser

Ph : 0437 225 386

Email: emma.manser@opposition.vic.gov.au

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: support@gippsland.com