Friday, 28 August 2026

 Richard WELCH (North-Eastern Metropolitan) (12:13): (1454) My question is also for the Minister for Finance. You have said in your press release this morning that you will target a $70 million reduction in spending on consultants and external advisers in actual terms, cash terms. How much of that $70 million will be achieved before the election?

 Enver ERDOGAN (Northern Metropolitan – Minister for Finance, Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation, Minister for Government Services) (12:14): I think I was very clear at the press conference that these are for the forward estimates, so they are for the 2027–28 and 2028–29 financial years.

Richard Welch: On a point of order, President, I would be very, very worried if the Minister for Finance does not know the difference between cash and accrual accounting. I did not ask a question about the accruals; I asked a question about the actuals.

The PRESIDENT: I think the minister was relevant to the question.

Members interjecting.

The PRESIDENT: Order! I think it is best if we formalise it rather than asking questions and answers informally the way that just happened then.

 Richard WELCH (North-Eastern Metropolitan) (12:15): Thank you, Minister, for that answer. Let us just be clear, everyone: there are no savings before the election. This is something they might do next term, if you can trust that. Or they might have a change of position; you never know. Minister, you also state that you will cease new expenditure on non-essential items, including branded apparel, merchandise for internal staff use and bronze plaques for politicians. Does that include a bronze statue for Daniel Andrews?

Members interjecting.

The PRESIDENT: The minister can answer as he sees fit.

 Enver ERDOGAN (Northern Metropolitan – Minister for Finance, Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation, Minister for Government Services) (12:15): Sorry, Mr Welch. I am sorry to disappoint. I do not have an announcement regarding that statue, but that is not a priority for our government. We are focused on delivering the frontline services that Victorians rely on and giving cost-of-living relief. That is our focus.

 Richard WELCH (North-Eastern Metropolitan) (12:16): I move:

That the minister’s answers be taken into consideration on the next day of meeting.

Motion agreed to.