Suspended Victorian MP Geoff Shaw's apology to the parliament will be judged on his behaviour outside the chamber as well as inside, Premier Denis Napthine says.
The balance-of-power MP has been ordered to make the apology as part of the conditions of his suspension, which is due to end on Tuesday.
Dr Napthine has repeatedly said Mr Shaw must be sincere or he risks being held in contempt of parliament.
"We'll judge things as they happen in the parliament and his behaviour prior to the parliament, according to the specifications set down by the parliament itself," Dr Napthine told reporters on Monday.
Mr Shaw has repaid more than $6800 for the misuse of his parliamentary car and fuel card, but without a formal apology he may face expulsion from parliament.
Following his suspension in June, Mr Shaw apologised to a Melbourne comedy show audience, but went on to say he had been "screwed by the parliament".
Dr Napthine said he had written to Mr Shaw to brief him on legislation due to go before parliament this week.
"Other ministers have similarly provided various advice to him," Dr Napthine said.
Mr Shaw, the Liberal turned independent member for Frankston, on Friday questioned the viability of the East West Link.
The government hopes to sign the contracts for the eastern part of the multi-billion dollar project before Victorians go to the polls on November 29.
Mr Shaw, who will hold the balance of power on his return, said the government should make the project an election policy or at least publish its business case.
"Without a business case, what is the justification for such an expensive project?" Mr Shaw said.
Opposition Leader Daniel Andrews said he was not particularly interested in the "Geoff Shaw circus".
"Let's see what he does tomorrow, but there are many more important matters for us to talk about and debate and discuss than Geoff Shaw," Mr Andrews told reporters.
"That circus has gone on far too long."
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