Tens of thousands of documents relating to a botched planning decision by now-opposition leader Matthew Guy have been taken down from Victoria's parliamentary website, following revelations they include private citizens' financial and medical records.
The mother of Hollywood stars Chris and Liam Hemsworth is reportedly one of those caught up in the government's campaign to undermine Mr Guy, less than three months out from the state election, over the rezoning of Ventnor at Phillip island while he was planning minister in 2011.
It comes after the personal details of a lawyer, including her mental health, financial and familial details, were found to be among the documents.
These were taken down on Thursday and on Friday the documents were removed from the parliamentary website altogether.
The mum of Australian actor Chris Hemsworth has been caught in Victoria's Ventnor scandal. (AAP) Source: AAP
"Given the volume of documents and the sensitive issues raised I've asked that the online link to documents be taken down this morning until further advice on the motions passed by the House in relation to these documents is considered," Legislative Assembly Speaker Colin Brooks said in a statement.
"The documents, except those already requested to be removed, remain 'published' and available in hard copy at the Parliament as originally advised."
Former privacy commissioner David Watts has warned the government could face legal action over the breach.
Among those caught up in the debacle is Leonie Hemsworth, mother of Hollywood stars Chris and Liam Hemsworth, the Herald Sun reports.
It's understood Mrs Hemsworth was a Phillip Island local who opposed the Ventnor decision.
Premier Daniel Andrews argues his government was just complying with a motion passed by state parliament - which he controls - in March to release the documents.
In 2011, Mr Guy approved the rezoning of farmland for housing at Ventnor on Phillip Island, sparking widespread backlash.
He quickly reversed his decision but that prompted a legal battle with the would-be developer, who also had connections to the Liberal Party.
In 2013 that case settled for a then-private sum.
But the documents tabled by Labor revealed that taxpayers were slugged $3.5 million dollars to settle and Mr Guy worried for his political career if it went to court.
On Thursday afternoon the lower house passed a censure motion against the opposition leader which demanded he resign and pay back the money.
Victorians are due to go to the polls on November 24.
