Mr. Shaw …

Corruption in office stinks.

The ombudsman, George Brouwer, has found that Liberal MP Geoff Shaw inappropriately used his parliamentary vehicle for commercial purposes. An excerpt from his report …

Misuse of parliamentary resources

Parliamentary vehicle

44. At interview, Mr Shaw gave evidence that he knew his parliamentary
vehicle could not be used for commercial use. However, my investigation
identified that Mr Shaw used his parliamentary vehicle for a commercial
trip to Sale and that he used his parliamentary fuel card to purchase fuel
for a private vehicle on one occasion, in contravention of the Members of
Parliament Motor Vehicle Plan (the plan).
45. Mr Shaw’s parliamentary vehicle was also used by Southern Cross
Hardware for commercial use, including interstate trips. My investigation
established, on the balance of probabilities, that Mr Shaw had knowledge
his employees were using his vehicle in this way.

Mr. Baillieu has a problem. He has a one seat majority and a by-election in Frankston may not go his way. Does he do a Julia and prop up someone guilty of misusing the opportunities that come with office or does he stick to principle and let him go?

Trust the electorate, Ted, you’ve done nothing to offend them. Indeed you’ve done nothing … it worked for Bracks.