Deputy Premier Jacinta Allan has refused to answer questions on why she had quietly been given a new portfolio granting planning oversight in communities along the proposed Suburban Rail Loop route.
Ms Allan's secret portfolio appointment thumbs its nose at local residents who deserve to have a say in how their communities are shaped.
Victorians deserve to know why the Deputy Premier refused to answer the following simple questions:
- Why did the Andrews Government keep the Deputy Premier'sMinister for Precincts and Land Coordination portfolio secret?
- Is the purpose of this secret portfolio to compulsorily acquire homes and forcibly take away the rights of local residents, for development centred around transport infrastructure projects?
Shadow Minister for Transport Infrastructure, David Southwick, said the secret move was indicative of the Andrews Government's attitude towards transparency and accountability in Victoria.
"Ministerial portfolios should never be established in the dark and in secret," Mr Southwick said.
"Jacinta Allan has been caught out secretly handing herself additional powers to override local communities with planning approvals and compulsory acquisitions across Victoria.
"Why was this portfolio set up in secret and what does it mean for Victorians? The Premier in waiting must answer these basic questions."
