Controversial Victorian MP Geoff Shaw has come under fire from Labor for taking a taxpayer-funded overseas study trip while under police investigation for rorting.
The independent MP, who is under investigation for misconduct in public office, is among six MPs on a parliamentary committee on a 12-day tour to London, Amsterdam and Berlin to investigate ways to help Victorian communities promote better employment.
The cost of the tour is about $40,000, according to Liberal committee member Christine Fyffe.
MPs on the trip are able to pay for their airfares from their electorate allowances, while the committee pays for everything else.
Labor deputy leader James Merlino says Premier Denis Napthine needs to explain how it is appropriate that Mr Shaw take the trip while under police investigation.
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"The only reason Denis Napthine is in power is because of Geoff Shaw and his vote, so Denis Napthine can't walk away from this," he told reporters.
"While people are languishing in hospital trolleys at Frankston hospital, the member for Frankston is dining his way around Europe."
Ms Fyffe defended Mr Shaw, saying he was being treated no differently from any other MP on the trip.
Ms Fyffe said Mr Shaw could have faced more criticism if he did not go on the trip, given he is part of the economic development and infrastructure committee.
She said he was working hard on its report to parliament.
"Mr Shaw may be investigated and everyone's innocent until proven guilty."
Mr Shaw, who now holds the balance of power in the Victorian coalition-led parliament, has been found by the ombudsman to have used his parliamentary car to further his own hardware business.
Police say the matter is still under investigation.
He quit the Liberal Party in March on the same day Ted Baillieu resigned as premier.
