An election campaign visit to an outer Melbourne cafe has taken the lustre off Liberal leader Matthew Guy's tough-on-crime mantra, after it emerged the owner had links to drugs.
A stop at Frankston's Beach 162 Restaurant cafe on Monday was meant to be an opportunity for the Liberal leader to spruik his plan to cut energy costs for business.
Instead the alternative premier was forced to swat away questions about the appropriateness of meeting a woman convicted of cultivating marijuana.
"I don't know her details. I do know that she is a cafe owner that is paying enormous (energy) bills," Mr Guy answered when quizzed about meeting with cafe owner Mariam Jamil.
Also present at Monday's campaign stop was Liberal candidate for Frankston, Michael Lamb, a senior police officer.
"If there was any issue, I was standing next to the local senior sergeant," Mr Guy said.
Ms Jamil has been contacted for comment.
Victorian Deputy Premier James Merlino said it "beggars belief" that Mr Guy and Mr Lamb were unaware of her background.
"The law and order credentials of Matthew Guy are once again in tatters," he added.
The major parties also locked horns on Monday over bail laws after it was revealed lethal knifeman Hasan Khalif Shire Ali was on bail when he launched a deadly attack in central Melbourne.
Premier Daniel Andrews admitted he learned Shire Ali's bail status a day after the attack. The public weren't told until days later.
The premier backed police who chose not to immediately reveal the news, but shadow attorney-general John Pesutto said Victorians had a right to know, as he championed changes to bail laws under a Liberal-Nationals government.
"If you breach your bail, you will go to jail," he told ABC radio.
On a policy front Mr Guy spent Monday trying to promote the opposition's plan to hold Victoria's judiciary accountable by publishing the decisions of courts online.
This includes sentences, court sitting times and when their judgments have been overturned.
"We will ensure court reporting data is beefed up to a level we have not seen before, that our magistrates, judges, the operation of our court system is transparent," Mr Guy said.
"This is to ensure Victorians have confidence in their justice system. Indeed those who are judging us have their performance data analysed and made public."
Under the proposal, the information will be reviewed regularly by a revamped judicial commission, which will have power to recommend legislative changes.
There were also Liberal plans for a youth boot camp, giving courts the option to send young offenders to a cadet-style training program where they will focus on physical fitness, education and community service including cleaning graffiti and litter.
Labor pledged better support for mums and dads, including that first-time parents will receive a free package valued at $150 containing a nappy bag, safe sleeping bag, muslin wrap and four picture books.
Mr Andrews, who did not kiss or cuddle a single baby during Monday's announcement, also vowed to spend $232 million on parental support, building seven new parenting centres, refurbishing two others and delivering a range of services including day stays, residential stays and more support at home.
