The next step in the latest political crisis to hit the Victorian government rests on whether Premier Denis Napthine is prepared to meet Opposition Leader Daniel Andrews and Governor Alex Chernov.
Geoff Shaw, the Liberal-turned-independent MP who holds the balance of power in the Legislative Assembly, said in a Tuesday radio interview that he would back any Labor no-confidence motion against the Napthine government.
Mr Andrews said he will still push to have Mr Shaw found in contempt of parliament for misusing his parliamentary vehicle, which could lead to his expulsion, with support from Liberal former Speaker Ken Smith.
He asked Dr Napthine to meet him at 11am (AEST) on Wednesday, saying they should then seek the advice of Mr Chernov in a bid to resolve the crisis.
"This is an opportunity to get the advice we so desperately need from the governor. It's an opportunity to put the interests of our state first, and that's what I intend to do."
Dr Napthine has not yet responded. It's believed he had intended to visit Bendigo on Wednesday.
As the contempt motion loomed, Mr Shaw used the ABC radio interview to say he would back a Labor no-confidence motion in the government because it would not assure it would protect him from further sanction over misuse of his car so he could finish his term.
Mr Shaw accused the government of encouraging Mr Smith to cross the floor and support Labor's motion against him.
"This assurance hasn't been given, and really I don't trust (the coalition) any more, and I will support a no-confidence motion in the premier and the government," he said.
In response, Dr Napthine revealed Mr Shaw demanded an absolute assurance from the government that the parliament would not seek to sanction him further.
Dr Napthine said he had not acceded to previous demands from Mr Shaw, including him seeking a particular judicial appointment.
"That is outrageous, that is extreme, that is ludicrous, that is not tolerated by me as premier and it would not be tolerated by the people of Victoria," he said on Tuesday night.
"And we say no to Mr Shaw, we say no to his outrageous demands and we will not be held to ransom by Mr Shaw and his antics."
http://au.news.yahoo.com/a/-/latest/24118325/future-unclear-in-vic-political-crisis/
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