Libs seek more answers on Vic MP perks

Two Victorian MPs embroiled in an expenses scandal could also face investigations over electoral fraud.

Former Victorian speaker Telmo Languiller

A report into Victoria's parliamentary perks scandal that claimed the speaker should be released. (AAP)

Disgraced former Victoria deputy speaker Don Nardella could soon add an electoral commission probe to a police investigation into his expenses claims.

The opposition wrote to the Victorian and Australian electoral commissions on Wednesday seeking an investigation for possible electoral fraud by Mr Nardella and former speaker Telmo Languiller over their questionable allowance claims.

Both men claimed a second residence allowance to live on the Bellarine Peninsula, despite representing metropolitan electorates.

In letters sent to the commissions, shadow attorney-general John Pesutto urged them to take action, including possible prosecutions.

Maximum penalties for breaching the Victorian electoral act is up to five years imprisonment or a $93,000 fine for providing false information.

An independent audit has found Mr Languiller intended to live in Queenscliff, but personal circumstance meant he spent most of 2016 in Melbourne.

The audit also raised questions about whether Mr Nardella ever lived in Ocean Grove at all, since he was renting a place off family for just $200 a fortnight without any formal lease and no bill payments.

"By their own admission, you have members of parliament voting where they don't live," Opposition leader Matthew Guy told reporters.

The main findings of a draft independent report into the claims were read out in parliament on Tuesday and the full report will be released on Thursday.

According to the PwC report Mr Languiller stopped claiming the allowance in early February this year.

But when Fairfax broke the story that month, the then-Speaker said he stopped receiving it in November 2016.

This month Mr Languiller repaid the $37,800 he had claimed.

But Mr Nardella has refused to repay any money and has instead left the parliamentary Labor party to sit on the crossbench.

He has claimed the allowance since 2010 when he lived in Ballarat with a former partner, meaning the sum he collected could come closer to $200,000, instead of the $100,000 first thought.

It was within the rules for both men to claim the allowance, but it was designed to help country MPs and now the rules on all allowances are being examined.

Victoria Police are investigating whether Mr Nardella has any case to answer.

When asked if the MPs should be booted from parliament, Premier Daniel Andrews said he would wait for the release of the report, and the result of the police investigation before commenting on further penalties.


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Source: AAP



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