00:00 You may not know it, but Victorian MPs are able to receive gifts, including cash for
00:06 personal use.
00:07 And they only have to disclose it in this register if it's worth more than $600.
00:12 The register doesn't include the value or what the gift is for, and it's only updated
00:16 and released twice a year.
00:18 Time we moved into the 21st century and made it easier for voters to see what are the sources
00:25 of money coming towards state MPs.
00:29 Most gifts that are disclosed are for things like tickets to the footy and races or concerts.
00:33 MPs have also declared fire helmets, a bottle of Penfold Shiraz and accommodation in India.
00:39 The gift rules have been thrown into the spotlight because Liberal leader John Pesciutto's legal
00:44 defence in the defamation action brought by exiled Liberal Moira Deeming is being bankrolled
00:49 by the three living former Liberal premiers, Geoff Kennett, Ted Bailiew and Dennis Napthine,
00:54 who believe the party should be backing its leader.
00:57 They've taken a side, which means that the party's going to be even more divided than
01:01 it already is.
01:02 They should be using their time, their effort and their influence to come up with a solution.
01:08 Kim Wells is backing rookie MP Moira Deeming.
01:11 She is soliciting gifts on this website, telling potential benefactors that they'll remain
01:15 anonymous if they gift her under $600.
01:18 Can you tell us any more about who's donating to your legal fight?
01:21 Can't tell us who any of the donors are?
01:25 There's some acceptance from across the aisle that rules for our MPs could be more transparent.
01:31 I do think there's some merit in the idea of people having an obligation to declare
01:37 it in real time.
01:38 I don't see any problem with more frequent reporting.
01:41 But that change doesn't appear to be a high priority.
01:44 [BLANK_AUDIO]
Comments