Victorian Assistant Treasurer, Danny Pearson, has apologised for what he has claimed was an “error of judgment” in holding shares in Commonwealth Bank while carrying out his ministerial duties.
In a statement released by the Mr Pearson this morning, he said he was “not a decision maker” in the awarding of a multi-million dollar Government banking and financial services contract in 2021.
“The process was run by senior independent public servants and there was a probity auditor engaged throughout who signed off on the process. I noted the outcome of the tender once it had been determined by the Department of Treasury and Finance,” said Mr Pearson.
“Despite this, I accept that it was an error of judgement to not recognise and manage the potential for a perception of conflict of interest and I unreservedly apologise for this oversight.”
He said it was brought to his attention yesterday that a long-standing bank shareholding – which reportedly dates back to 2014 – may have given rise to questions about a potential for a perceived conflict of interest with ministerial duties.
Mr Pearson says he had declared the shareholding to Parliament at every reporting period since becoming an MP.
“For avoidance of doubt, I have spoken to the Premier and advised him that I will place all of my shareholdings in a blind trust,” he said.
