Geoff Shaw's court hearing over alleged misuse of government car delayed until December 18
- From: Herald Sun
- November 25, 2013
Geoff Shaw at the Magistrate's Court. Photo: Jake Nowakowski. Source: HeraldSun
LAWYERS for rebel MP Geoff Shaw are still trying to resolve a string of fraud charges that were reinstated last week.
Prosecutors revived the 24 charges against the Frankston MP after he failed in a bid to be dealt with via a court diversion program.
Police and the Director of Public Prosecutions had consented to the diversion option that would have seen Mr Shaw avoid a conviction or finding of guilt in exchange for accepting responsibility to one count of obtaining financial advantage by deception.
But magistrate Charlie Rozencwajg rejected the bid, finding that Mr Shaw was not a suitable candidate for the diversion program.
Quinn McCormack, for Mr Shaw, told the Melbourne Magistrates Court this morning that negotiations between Mr Shaw's legal team and prosecutors were continuing.
She said the negotiations had to be restarted as a result of last weeks failed attempt by Mr Shaw, who was excused from today's hearing, to be placed on the diversion program.
Mr Rozencwajg granted the parties a three week adjournment.
The matter will return to court on December 18.
Robert Richter QC, for Mr Shaw, last week said his client would plead not guilty to all charges.
They include one count of misconduct in public office and 23 of obtaining financial advantage by deception.
Police allege he dishonestly obtained for himself a financial advantage by debiting of the credit facility belonging to the Victorian Parliamentary Services Department on 23 separate occasions in Victoria and interstate between February and December 2011.
Mr Shaw is alleged to have used a parliamentary fuel card at locations including Frankston, Seaford, Carrum Downs, Wagga Wagga, Cobram and Stawell.
He is also facing a charge of misconduct in public office by improperly using his parliamentary car and fuel and by procuring other persons to do the same.
The charges followed a police investigation sparked by a series of exclusive Sunday Herald Sun reports about Mr Shaw's alleged conduct, including that he used and allowed others to use his parliamentary car for his hardware business.
If found guilty Mr Shaw is expected to lose his seat in parliament, forcing a by-election ahead of next year's state election.
