Victorian minister Theophanous stands down
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Mr Theophanous says police have not informed him about the nature of the investigation. (ABC TV)
Senior Victorian Government minister Theo Theophanous has stepped down from Cabinet pending a police investigation.
The Industry and Trade Minister held a media conference this afternoon to announce his decision.
He says police have not told him what the investigation relates to but denies any wrongdoing.
He declined to answer questions about the mystery investigation, but says he is temporarily resigning as a minister to protect the Government.
"I feel strongly that if a minister is the subject of a formal complaint which is being investigated by the police, he or she should stand down until the matter is cleared and cleared up by the police," he said.
Mr Theophanous added: "It is not for me but a matter for police as to when, or if they wish to publicly disclose the nature of their enquiries. They have not done so to me."
The Premier, John Brumby, says he has accepted Mr Theophanous's resignation.
He says Mr Theophanous' ministerial duties will be temporarily performed by other ministers.
-ABC
