Tasmania’s Premier says the state’s new Integrity Commission will be completely independent so it can not be used or manipulated for the sake of “nasty political witch-hunts”.
At the official launch today (Fri), David Bartlett said no minister or MP would direct or control the way the corruption watchdog exercised its power.
He said the Commission would give Tasmanians confidence that their elected leaders observe the highest ethical standards.
Senior police, public servants and politicians gathered for the launch by the Governor Peter Underwood.
In his speech, the Chief Commissioner, former Victorian Supreme Court Judge Murray Kellam, says he expects the Commission to be very busy in its early days investigating complaints.
Nick McKim …
GREENS WELCOME INTEGRITY COMMISSION OPENING
Result of 10 Year Campaign
The Tasmanian Greens today welcomed the formal opening of the Tasmanian Integrity Commission, describing it as a milestone that culminates a decade long campaign for an independent anti-corruption body to be established in the State.
Greens Leader Nick McKim MP said that the new Integrity Commission also provides the important function of parliamentary standards oversight, which was also a key plank of the Greens’ democracy and accountability platform.
“The official opening of the Tasmanian Integrity Commission culminates a decade-long Greens campaign to have established an independent anti-corruption style body, as well as a specific entity that provides oversight of Parliamentary Standards,” Mr McKim said.
“Importantly the new Integrity Commission is not just about investigating potential wrong-doing but also has a clear preventative role with a clear focus on Education and Prevention, additional to its Complaints, and Investigations function.”
“The Integrity Commission is a vital step forward to restore the community’s confidence in governance, which had sunk to desperately low levels under previous governments.”
‘’During the 2006 state election the Greens committed to funding an independent body to investigate allegations of corruption in the public sector, and a Parliamentary standards Commissioner. Both of these milestones have been delivered,’ Mr McKim said.’
David Bartlett:
Enhancing Confidence in Our Democracy
The Premier, David Bartlett, today officially opened the Office of the Tasmanian Integrity Commission, which forms the centrepiece of the Government’s work to strengthen public confidence in Tasmania’s governance and public service.
“Two years ago, I made a pact with the Tasmanian people to strengthen trust in democracy in this State,” Mr Bartlett said.
“Tasmanians deserve stable and responsible Government, as well as strong integrity and transparency from the people who serve them.
“We’ve made progress through several initiatives over the past two years, and today marks the most significant step in that process.
“This Integrity Commission gives Tasmanians extra confidence that their leaders, elected members and public servants are observing the highest ethical standards,” Mr Bartlett said.
“I believe all sides of politics will agree that this new watchdog is truly independent.
“No Minister or Member of Parliament, including myself, can direct or control the Commission in exercising its powers and functions. That’s exactly as it should be.
“That independence also helps to ensure it can’t be used or manipulated for the sake of nasty political witch-hunts,” he said.
The Integrity Commission’s main day-to-day emphasis will be on education and advisory services, as well as encouraging strong community engagement.
“While the Commission has significant investigative powers, there are strong checks and balances to ensure those powers are used fairly, and without prejudice,” Mr Bartlett said.
“i’d particularly like to thank the Chief Commissioner, the Hon. Murray Kellam AO QC, the Chief Executive Officer, Barbara Etter, and the other members of the Integrity Commission board, for their leadership and hard work so far.
“The State Government is getting on with the job of providing strong and stable co-operative government. That includes modernising and enhancing our democracy to ensure Tasmanians can have faith and confidence in every step we take, and decision we make,” he said.
Mr Bartlett says the Commission’s operations will be reviewed by a Parliamentary Joint Standing Committee in three years.
The Act will be comprehensively reviewed after five years, to ensure it still reflects community expectations.
