Any move to suspend Victorian rebel independent Geoff Shaw rather than expel him from parliament is a let-off, the opposition says.
Victorian Premier Denis Napthine met Governor Alex Chernov on Thursday for a "routine meeting" as the political sideshow involving the Frankston MP continues.
Government sources say a bid to fine and suspend Mr Shaw is the most likely penalty he will get for misusing his taxpayer-funded car, Fairfax Media reports.
Labor says the only option is to expel him.
"A suspension for a week or two is an absolute let-off," deputy leader James Merlino told Fairfax Radio.
Labor had a caucus meeting on Thursday to discuss the events in the lead up to the next sitting day on Tuesday when it plans to move to find Mr Shaw in contempt of parliament and expel him.
The premier says the government is still getting advice about appropriate measures and doesn't want to rush into politically based decisions.
"You've got to get proper advice so the parliament can deal with this appropriately," Dr Napthine told Fairfax Radio.
Dr Napthine also says there is "confusion" about Mr Shaw's request for a judicial appointment.
Mr Shaw has rejected Dr Napthine's claims he made demands for a judicial appointment, while the premier says Mr Shaw raised the issue with him a number of times earlier this year.
"I think the confusion ... is that was not discussed specifically in my telephone conversation with him on Tuesday," Dr Napthine said.
The premier also defended not reporting the request to the state's anti-corruption body, saying he was getting advice on it.
"If I reported everybody who said to me who should be appointed to various positions, then we'd be tying up people forever," he said.
Labor says if Mr Shaw is expelled, the earliest by-election could be July 12 or 19.
Dr Napthine says he is not fussed about by-elections, but if one arises from Mr Shaw's expulsion, he believes the Liberals can win.
A government-dominated parliamentary privileges committee found Mr Shaw breached the MP code of conduct by misusing his parliamentary car for his private hardware business, but its Labor members wanted a contempt finding.
Mr Shaw withdrew support for the Napthine government, which relies on him to hold power, after it failed to guarantee he would not be penalised further.
Labor has the backing of Ken Smith, the former Liberal Speaker Mr Shaw helped oust, in its bid to have the Frankston MP held in contempt.
The ALP says parliament has, and should use, its power to remove Mr Shaw but the party has not revealed the source of its constitutional advice.
Mr Andrews said Labor would "absolutely not" support a suspension or lesser measure against Mr Shaw.
"This needs to be dealt with once and for all," Mr Andrews told reporters in Frankston on Thursday.
"We need a by-election in this seat. It is unreasonable for the people of Frankston to be without a voice for four or five months."
Mr Andrews also dismissed a suggestion by the Greens that Labor should block supply, calling it fundamentally irresponsible.
Victorian Greens leader Greg Barber says it's bizarre the opposition is offering supply and confidence for the government, and Mr Andrews should move a motion of no confidence in the government at the earliest opportunity.
Share
