Rebel MP promises to back Vic government

INDEPENDENT MP Geoff Shaw has promised to support the Victorian coalition government but won't return to the Liberals.

The rebel MP called Premier Denis Napthine on Thursday night to deliver the news he would support the government on key issues, including the budget and matters of confidence.

It means the coalition can rely on his vote to get laws through parliament.

Dr Napthine also announced former premier Ted Baillieu's chief of staff Tony Nutt had quit the government staff.

He also reassured Mr Shaw, the member for Frankston, that superannuation entitlements were being considered as part of a review of politicians' pay.

"There was no agreement, no undertakings made with Mr Shaw, nor were there any demands made by Mr Shaw of me and my government," he said.

"I believe we have a workable government. I believe we have the opportunity to provide good, stable government to the people of Victoria."

Dr Napthine said Mr Shaw had not won more power and the Frankston electorate would not be favoured over other areas of the state.

"Geoff Shaw has no more influence," he said.

Mr Shaw had told him he wanted to best represent the people of Frankston and pursue their concerns.

Dr Napthine said Mr Shaw did not ask for any specific investments in his electorate.

"All parts of the state will be given special treatment," he said.

Mr Shaw said he was confident Dr Napthine would be a strong leader for Victoria.

"My resignation from the parliamentary Liberal Party was based on my belief that I can best serve Frankston as an independent member," he said in a statement.

"I strongly believe in the values of the Liberal Party and that a return of Labor would be disastrous for Victoria."

Dr Napthine said he did not need a written document formalising the agreement with Mr Shaw.

He did not tell the deputy premier, Nationals leader Peter Ryan, that Mr Shaw had guaranteed supply and confidence until he revealed the news to other senior government MPs on Friday.

Earlier on Friday, Mr Ryan went on Melbourne radio and said Dr Napthine had not dealt with Mr Shaw.

On the question of his cabinet, Dr Napthine refused to confirm Kim Wells would remain treasurer.

He said he would sort out his ministerial team later.

Dr Napthine said he had confidence in Liberal state director Damien Mantach but the party employed him and was responsible for negotiations concerning his future.

Mr Mantach reportedly authorised $22,500 in payments to an adviser after the man had quit Mr Ryan's office in disgrace over his role in a plot to undermine former police chief commissioner Simon Overland.

Mr Nutt released a statement on Friday saying he had resigned because he did not want to distract from the new government's work.

Mr Baillieu referred "secret tapes" involving Mr Nutt to the corruption watchdog before quitting as premier.

"Over more than 30 years as a staff member, I have worked with many parliamentarians and political leaders, and Ted Baillieu is one of the finest men it has been my privilege to know," Mr Nutt said.

Mr Nutt said he had not done anything wrong.

"I am confident that my actions were proper and appropriate and have impeccable legal advice to that effect."

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