Michael Tate’s integrity role

Parliamentary Standards Commissioner Appointed

Attorney General Lara Giddings today announced the final appointment relating to Tasmania’s new Integrity Commission.

Ms Giddings said former Federal Minister for Justice, and now a Catholic priest, Reverend Professor Michael Tate AO had been appointed as the State s first Parliamentary Standards Commissioner.

“Today’s announcement completes the process of establishing the Integrity Commission and I am pleased that someone as well qualified as Michael Tate has agreed to be part of this new era,” Ms Giddings said.

The establishment of the Integrity Commission is a key feature of the Premier’s ten point plan to restore confidence in our democratic institutions.

Reverend Tate’s appointment follows consultation with the Joint Standing Committee on Integrity, which includes members of all three political parties as well as Independent Members of the Upper House.

The Parliamentary Standards Commissioner will be a confidential advisor to Members of Parliament and to the Integrity Commission on the ethical issues which Members may face.

“The unique breadth of Reverend Tate’s experience makes him the ideal person for this role and I wish him well,” Ms Giddings said.

Ms Giddings said Michael Tate lectured in law at the University of Tasmania from 1972 to 1978, when he was elected to the Senate for a political career that was to span 15 years. He served as Minister for Justice between 1987 and 1993, in addition to other portfolios.

Reverend Tate was Ambassador to the Netherlands and the Holy See from 1993 to 1996. While residing in The Hague he appeared as co-agent and counsel for Australia before the International Court of Justice, and was a keen observer of the initial operations of the War Crimes Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia.

Reverend Tate received an Order of Australia in 1996 and is currently a priest in the Hobart Archdiocese of the Roman Catholic Church.