Matthew Guy's tough-on-crime Victorian election campaign has been dealt an embarrassing blow after he visited the business of a convicted drug criminal.
A stop at Frankston's Beach 162 Restaurant cafe on Monday was meant to be an opportunity for the Liberal leader to spruik his plan to cut energy costs for businesses.
Instead the alternative-premier was forced to swat away questions about the appropriateness of meeting a woman convicted of cultivating marijuana.
"I don't know her details. I do know that she is a cafe owner that is paying enormous (energy) bills," Mr Guy answered when quizzed about meeting with cafe owner Mariam Jamil.
During a visit also attended by Mr Guy's wife, Renae, members of the Liberal campaign chatted and were photographed with Ms Jamil. She has been contacted for comment.
Also present at Monday's campaign stop was incumbent Frankston MP, Michael Lamb, a senior officer.
"If there was any issue, I was standing next to the local senior sergeant," Mr Guy said.
On a policy front, the opposition leader pledged to hold Victoria's judiciary accountable by publishing online each judge's decision from the bench.
This includes sentences they hand down, court sitting times, time taken to deliver decisions and how many times their judgments have been overturned on appeal.
"We will ensure court reporting data is beefed up to a level we have not seen before, that our magistrates, judges, the operation of our court system is transparent," Mr Guy said outside Heidelberg Magistrates Court.
"This is to ensure Victorians have confidence in their justice system.
"Indeed those who are judging us have their performance data analysed and made public."
Under the proposal, the information will be reviewed regularly by a revamped judicial commission, which will have power to recommend legislative changes to bringing sentencing in line with community expectations.
Data on offenders spared jail time for violent crimes, who go on to reoffend, may also be published under the proposal.
Performance data will compare sentencing at different courts for similar offences, convictions for similar offences at different courts and how sentences compare for similar offences interstate, under the plan.
Liberal MP John Pesutto said there had been decisions on high-profile cases in recent years that were out of line with community expectations.
Senior Liberals on Monday continued their criticism that lethal knifeman Hasan Khalif Shire Ali had been granted bail ahead of his deadly stabbing attack in central Melbourne.
Mr Guy said his party will provide costings for its election promises by the end of the week.
Australian Associated Press
