Telmo Languiller has resigned as speaker of the legislative assembly of state Parliament.
The Tarneit MP stepped down on Saturday afternoon, just 48 hours after it was revealed he had claimed almost $40,000 to live at Queenscliff, which is his second residence. His primary residence is listed as being in Footscray.
MPs are entitled to claim for a second residence if they represent regional electorates that require them to stay in Melbourne while Parliament is sitting.
“During the last 48 hours I have had the opportunity to talk with family, colleagues and friends,” Mr Languiller said in a statement. “I accept that my actions do not meet the very high standards that the community expects of its elected representatives.
“No matter what difficult personal circumstances I may have been going through, I have to recognise it as an error of judgement, and I accept that I should pay the price for that error of judgement.”
He said he understood that offering to repay the allowance was not good enough.
On the same day, Melton MP and Mr Languiller’s deputy speaker Don Nardella also resigned his post after it was found he had claimed more than $100,000 for the same entitlement. He has not offered to repay this money.
Premier Daniel Andrews described the two resignations as “the right thing”. He has asked Special Minister of State Gavin Jennings to review the entitlement rules and make changes.
Both MPs will remain on the back benches.
