Opposition questions the Premier regarding the Minister for Transport's incomplete divestment from Metier Asia Property Group, potential conflicts of interest, and staff shareholdings. The Premier assures necessary steps have been taken and potential conflicts are being managed.

AnsweredQoN 206Legislative Council
Asked
17 March 2016
Portfolio
Leader of the House representing the Premier

QuestionView source ↗

MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT — FINANCIAL
INTERESTS
206. Hon SUE ELLERY to the Leader of the House
representing the Premier:
I refer to the answer to question
without notice 105 and confirmation that the Minister for Transport has not
finalised all steps to disassociate himself from interests in Metier Asia
Property Group Pty Ltd.
(1) What are the
specific ''formalities'' that prevent the minister from final
completion of the divestment process?
(2) Has the
Minister for Transport excused himself from cabinet discussion on the Premier's
proposed revision of the ministerial code of conduct?
(3) Can the
Premier guarantee that no staff member in the minister's office
continues to hold shares, in escrow or otherwise, in any entities connected
with the Minister for Transport and Metier Asia?
(4) If yes to
(3), on what date did the staff member dissociate himself from any interest in
either direct share ownership or shares being held in escrow?
(5) If no to
(3), does the Premier consider this situation acceptable given the 4 December
2014 report by his cabinet secretary concerning financial investments by
ministerial staff?

AnswerView source ↗

I thank the honourable member for
some notice of the question.
(1)–(5) As
advised in the response to question without notice 105 answered on 25 February
2016, the shares were sold by the minister and his staff in March 2015 and they
remain in escrow pending the completion of the transaction. The cabinet
secretary has advised the Premier that the minister has taken the necessary
steps to divest himself of these holdings and this has not yet been completed
due to the nature of the business transaction required. Until this transaction
is finalised, the minister remains alert to any potential conflict of interest
arising from the interest and is managing it in accordance with the ministerial
code of conduct.

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