Geoff Shaw returns to Parliament

The Member for Frankston, Geoff Shaw, returned to Parliament this week following his suspension. Upon his return, he gave a Personal Explanation: “To avoid being in contempt of the Legislative Assembly, … I humbly and sincerely apologise to the house and to the people of Victoria for my breach of the code of conduct for members”. However, later that day, Shaw told the Herald Sun the situation was “a political farce”. Premier Denis Napthine took this as evidence that the apology was not genuine, and moved a motion to expel Shaw permanently—but the Opposition dismissed it as a “stunt” and voted with Shaw to keep him in the chamber. There is only one sitting week of parliament remaining before the election.