[Greens-Media] ALERT: 10am Tues 14 Aug, Barber v State of Victoria

[Elizabeth.Ingham at parliament.vic.gov.au]

WHEN: Tuesday 14 August, 10am media conference (10.30 court commences, Court 6)

WHERE: Supreme Court main entrance, William Street (near corner Lonsdale Street)

WHAT: Barber v State of Victoria: Greens MP Greg Barber in Supreme Court bid which could force the government to hand Parliament - and the media - secret documents on the Myki ticketing system.

"See you in court, Ted!" said Mr Barber

For comment: Greg Barber - 0433 044 771

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Background: 

The Supreme Court will hear a claim by Greg Barber, leader of the Victorian Greens, against the State Government. He is seeking a declaration that Parliament has the power to order the public release of documents prepared outside Cabinet and considered by Cabinet.  Mr Barber is funding the case himself.

This case will set an important benchmark for democracy. A successful result will mean that elected governments must comply with an order of the elected parliaments, not just in Victoria, but right around the country.

The document sought is a review into the operation of the myki ticketing system undertaken by consulting firm Deloitte and commissioned by the Baillieu government in its first month in office.

"This is not just about myki - it's about smart meters, the desalination plant, secret deals with coal companies and anything governments assert they can withhold from the Parliament and the people of Victoria."

"This case is about the information that the parliament, standing in the shoes of the people, needs in order to hold the government to account. Without information, our democratic system ceases to function."

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Liz Ingham
Office of Greg Barber MLC
Northern Metropolitan Region

P: 9348 2622
M: 0409 333 595
E:elizabeth.ingham at parliament.vic.gov.au
W: http://mps.vic.greens.org.au



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Parliament of Victoria                                                                                                                    . 

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