INTEGRITY COMMISSION BILL MUST RECEIVE PROPER EXAMINATION

Bill Should Not be Rammed Through Parliament

www.tas.greens.org.au
The Tasmanian Greens today called on the Bartlett government to guarantee that sufficient time will be given to debate the significant Integrity Commission Bill, saying that additional sitting days should be considered to allow for consultation with stakeholders.

Greens Leader Nick McKim MP said that the Tasmanian community have waited for a decade to have this type of integrity body established, and that by allowing the legislation to be thoroughly examined would be a worthwhile and respectful investment in ensuring that the Parliament gets it right.

“Tasmanians have been calling for an independent integrity body for ten years now, and I’m sure that the community will not begrudge the Parliament investing sufficient time to ensure that the legislation is scrutinised properly and thoroughly, rather than rushing it through,” Mr McKim said.

“The real priority here is that the best possible legislation is passed by the Parliament, not that legislation is forced through to meet the government’s sitting timetable.”

“If necessary the government must look at increasing the number of sitting days for the House of Assembly, just as the Legislative Council has had extra days added to their schedule, to ensure that stakeholders can be consulted and an informed debate occurs.”

“This complex and important piece of legislation was tabled on Thursday, and it would be counter to any claims of restoring faith in our democratic systems should Labor decide to ram this complex piece of legislation through in one day tomorrow.”
Nick McKim MP Greens Leader