Frankston MP Geoff Shaw plans to apply for a magistrate to hear the charges against him, which allege he used his parliamentary car for his own benefit and claimed more than $2000 in expenses on a government fuel card.

Mr Shaw made a brief appearance at Melbourne Magistrates Court on Tuesday in relation to charges that could, if proven, end his parliamentary career and bring down the Napthine government, which relies on the independent MP's vote to govern.

Mr Shaw, 45, is charged with 23 counts of dishonestly obtaining a financial advantage and one count of misconduct in public office over allegations he misused his parliamentary vehicle and fuel card. Both offences carry maximum 10-year jail sentences.

Police allege Mr Shaw used the car and fuel card to make deliveries for his hardware business across Victoria and interstate.