Shaw apologises to Victorian parliament

Independent MP Geoff Shaw has apologised to Victorian parliament after his return from suspension. 'I humbly and sincerely apologise to the house and to the people of Victoria for my breach of the code of conduct for members,' Shaw told parliament in a short prepared speech. Shaw said he understood the issue had been a distraction. 'The buck stops with me and I have taken full responsibility.' Shaw read the two-minute apology from a prepared script, saying it was due to the matter's importance and to ensure he fully complied with the government motion to suspend him. The Liberal-turned independent MP was suspended for 11 sitting days until Tuesday, for misusing his taxpayer-funded vehicle and fuel card for his hardware business. To avoid being expelled from the parliament, he was ordered to repay more than $6800 - which he has done - and offer a genuine apology when he returned to parliament on Tuesday afternoon. Premier Denis Napthine told reporters earlier on Tuesday the parliament will make a judgment on whether the apology is sincere. Shaw's return to parliament means he regains his balance-of-power status in the Legislative Assembly, according AAP.