The alternative minister,who is yet to be confirmed,would still have no contact with the firm on planning matters to avoid any perception of a conflict,preventing the firm from dealing with the government on its clients’ projects.

However,the government refused to release the actual plan for managing the potential conflict of interest on Thursday evening,including details of how it would be policed.

The Age is not suggesting there has been,or will be,any impropriety between the Blandthorn siblings,only that the minister’s appointment raises potential conflicts of interest.

Opposition planning spokesman Ryan Smith described the government’s statement as bizarre.

“At 5pm[Thursday] the government has stated that neither the minister for planning,her office or her department will have any dealing with Hawker Britton,a lobbyist represented by the minister’s brother,” Smith said.

“The government then twists itself in knots to suggest that an alternative minister will deal with issues of conflict with Hawker Britton,although they and their department also won’t be dealing with them.”

“There are a dozen portfolios that Ms Blandthorn could have been appointed to,yet Daniel Andrews,in his wisdom,gave her the one most designed to cause conflict and confusion.”

Hawker Britton managing director Simon Banks said that while his company was disappointed by the government’s response it would comply in full.

He noted that at no time had there been any implication or accusation of wrongdoing or impropriety by Hawker Britton or John-Paul Blandthorn. Banks stressed that Hawker Britton proactively raised the matter when it first arose.

“While this matter has been under consideration,minister Blandthorn and her brother have not communicated on any topic.”

The statement was released a day after a special report from the state’s integrity agencies rocked the government and prompted a pledge to create a new parliamentary watchdog to monitor the behaviour of politicians.

Centre for Public Integrity research director Dr Catherine Williams said the Blandthorn plan “looks reasonable”.

“I can’t think of any other protection that could be put in place if she is to continue as minister. But who is going to have oversight of this? I think that’s an important question.”

“Where is the transparency of this arrangement.”

Urban Development Institute of Australia Victorian chief executive Matthew Kandelaars said he was confident Blandthorn could proceed with impartiality.

“We have every confidence in the minister’s ability to deal with matters before her appropriately and impartially,and we look forward to strong engagement with the minister on all matters affecting Victoria’s future growth.”

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