The move by Labor and Liberal parties to block the Australian Greens’ legislation to establish a National Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) highlights the need to strengthen the powers of Tasmania’s Integrity Commission, Greens Justice spokesperson Nick McKim MP said.
“Federal Labor and Liberal colluding to block the vote on the Australian Greens’ legislation to establish a national ICAC is out of step with a community which rightly expects the highest of standards from politicians and the public sector.”
“If their federal counterparts are going to claim a national ICAC is unnecessary due to it being state responsibility, then states need watchdogs with real teeth.”
“Tasmania’s Integrity Commission has itself indicated that it has inadequate powers to allow it to do its job in line with community expectations.” [1]
“The Integrity Commission Act 2009 needs amendment to provide the Commission with greater investigatory powers, the ability to compel witnesses to provide verbal and written information, the capacity to apply for warrants at the assessment stage of a complaint, and the capacity to recommend Commissions of Inquiry.”
“The Greens are calling on both state Labor and Liberal parties to work with us to increase the powers of the Integrity Commission, which will go a long way towards rebuilding voters trust with their public institutions,” Mr McKim said.
[1] Tasmanian Integrity Commission, “CEO’s determination under s.38 Integrity Commission Act 2008 in respect of complaints made to the Integrity Commission about the proposed construction of a pulp mill,” April 2012.
Nick McKim MP | Greens Attorney-General & Justice spokesperson
