Peter Stefanovic: Let's bring in Victorian Liberal MP Tim Wilson for the latest now. Tim, good to see you. Thanks for your time this morning. So what do you make of these allegations? These reports that suggest that Michael Sukkar helped devise and oversee a potentially illegal branch stacking scheme.

Tim Wilson: Well, Pete, I know these matters have been investigated by the Department of Finance last year and of course, I wasn't privy to those investigations, of course, appropriately, they were held independently. And ultimately, any question on these matters is going to be put to them. But of course, I think we all know that public resources should be treated appropriately and respectfully for the purposes in which they're procured from the public from taxes. And I'm sure that everyone in Parliament would agree with that fundamental principal.

Peter Stefanovic: Well, I mean, there's a lot of question marks over that investigation, though, because three key witnesses weren't interviewed. And then Mr. Sukkar made strong representations to block the report's release. I mean, it seems as though it's it's pretty weak. Should that report be released?

Tim Wilson: Well, I think these are question is, to be put to the Department of Finance, because in the end, they're the ones who oversaw it, they're the ones as I understand it, who devised it, and they're the ones who follow through with the process. And that's the basis in which you know, you have a system with integrity, is when it's not politicians judging other politicians. It's proper processes, independent processes judging us.

Peter Stefanovic: I mean it. It all dovetails back into to a federal ICAC and the need for one and the current situation, well the current proposal has been described as being, you know, without any teeth. What's your suggestion? What's your response to that?

Tim Wilson: Well, firstly, the public should wait and see what the final bill is that's put before the parliament to address it. There's lots of people with commentary on the exposure draft. The exposure draft was an exposure draft for a reason. We wanted feedback. We want our ideas about what would work, what would not work, how it could be improved. And I understand that a bill will be presented to the parliament very shortly, which outlines a strong anti-corruption commission, but follows due process to make sure that when there are allegations that they're properly investigated they don't become a vehicle for show trials, as we see, in some state jurisdictions where people almost have to prove their innocence because they bought publicly before entities, and have to defend their reputation. I want a system that follows exactly the same principles apply to the rest of the public and allegations made it investigated. If it then goes to a court for prosecution, then it's dealt with that way in a public sense, but then needs to be a case first. And it doesn't matter whether it's a politician or a public servant or any other member of the community.

Peter Stefanovic: And branch stacking should be the top of the list to be investigated?

Tim Wilson: Well, I'd have. That's a very loose term, and I'm not sure whether it's going to be covered as part of that, but obviously the use of public resources will be part of that conversation.

Peter Stefanovic: I mean, it's engulfed the Victorian Labor Party and now it's libs turn. Have you witnessed it in your state?

Tim Wilson: Well, I need to be mindful of what I say. If you go back to reports last year, it was clear that perhaps some of it was directed in some directions, and I'll just leave my comments at that. But I haven't seen such conduct in my time around Electorate Office work, no. But if there's allegations, it should be appropriately, put to the Department of Finance, where they should be investigated because there should be no truck with using public resources for that, purpose.

Peter Stefanovic: Just a final one on the economy. We had the treasurer on the program a short time ago Tim. The economy is in is in fairly good shape. All things considered. But there are a few storm clouds ahead, being wage growth among them and the potential for out of cycle bank interest rates next year and several of them as a matter of fact. What, what are the issues or concerns that you've got within the next 12 months when it comes to our economy?

Tim Wilson: Well, there has been very healthy data, a reduction, in the number of companies that have gone into insolvency over the past financial year, that should send us encouraging signs that despite the challenges of COVID-19 and lockdowns, businesses have been resilient, their balance sheets have been resilient. But you know, if you look internationally, there is a spectre of interest rate rises and what that could mean for many households who are already struggling to make ends meet. So I think cost of living is going to be a significant challenge. But this is a reminder about why you need those with strong credentials in managing the economy and steering it through these difficult times, not taking risks with a change of Government.

Peter Stefanovic: Yeah, I mean, are you expecting people who have overindulged on a mortgage and it's across several states now where we're seeing these huge, huge amount of housing affordability issues? I mean, could that be a problem down the track if you're if you've got some three, four or five out of cycle interest rate rises, I mean, that could cause major problems when it comes to the housing market even more than it exists now.

Tim Wilson: Well, I have consistently been speaking out about housing affordability, so much so that I wrote a book about it last year and will continue to do so because housing affordability goes to the sense of security Australians have in their working life and their retirement. And yes, interest rate rises are a serious risk for those who have high debt to income ratio. So it's a reminder that interest rates while are low they presently artificially low and that they're likely to return to normal levels. That's why the is strong prudential regulation in place to make sure people can finance their debt, but also to make sure that they don't overextend themselves on their mortgages.

Peter Stefanovic: You got a guess on how many you could expect next year?

Tim Wilson: I wouldn't expect that many next year, but what I would say is that the the reality of where they are now is artificially low and we should expect them to return to a more stable, higher level.

Peter Stefanovic: Alright, Tim, appreciate it. Talk to you soon.