Ms O'CONNOR question to MINISTER for ENVIRONMENT, PARKS and HERITAGE, Mr GROOM
Your brother, James Groom, lodged a development application for Bernacchi Lodge in the Central Highlands in 2013. In 2014 you signed off on a draft World Heritage Area management plan that rezoned Bernacchi Lodge from huts and shacks to a visitor services area. If your flawed draft plan becomes the plan, this will enable further tourism development at Bernacchi Lodge and benefit your brother's commercial interests. How can you claim you have not breached the ministerial code of conduct and why should you not be referred to the Integrity Commission?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for the question. I have been asked this a few times and I have answered it previously. I have not made a decision about Bernacchi Lodge.
Ms O'Connor - You signed off on a draft plan.
Mr GROOM - That is not correct.
Ms O'Connor interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER - Order, the member is on a warning and I will not hesitate to eject.
Mr GROOM - The way that the member is seeking to represent it is not accurate. I have made no decision that relates to that development and therefore no conflict could arise. I have had that position confirmed by the Department of Premier and Cabinet.