EXCLUSIVE.
Embattled Melton MP Don Nardella has vowed to continue supporting the Labor government despite being forced to resign from the Labor party caucus after refusing to pay back more than $100,000 he claimed in entitlements.
He’ll remain in Parliament as an independent crossbencher and will serve out his term.
There were fears Mr Nardella’s resignation from the Labor party could create further chaos as the move left the government with 46 seats in the 88-seat lower house — giving it a narrow majority.
But Mr Nardella has pledged his support for the party and indicated he would continue voting in line with the government.
“The Labor party got me elected; it wasn’t Don Nardella that got me elected. I will continue to vote and support the Labor party,” he said.
Premier Daniel Andrews demanded the former deputy speaker’s resignation after he refused to pay back the money he received for claiming a second residence allowance while living in Ocean Grove.
“The Premier made it clear to me that if I was not going to pay back the allowance that I was not to remain in the caucus and I accepted that” Mr Nardella said.
“ I have been in the Labor Caucus since October 1992 and it’s hard for me not to be there any longer.”
The Andrews government has been under increasing pressure since it was revealed former speaker Telmo Languiller and Mr Nardella claimed a second residence allowance designed for regional MPs.
The opposition on Tuesday moved to set up a parliamentary inquiry, in addition to an internal audit, but was blocked by Labor.
Opposition leader Matthew Guy indicated he would consider referring the matter to Victoria Police’s fraud squad.
Mr Nardella said he hoped the audit committee, set up to investigate Mr Languiller’s and Mr Nardella’s claims, would release its findings as soon as possible.
