Integrity Commission’s blast for the Liberal Government

Shadow Attorney-General Lara Giddings has congratulated outgoing Integrity Commission chief Hon. Murray Kellam on speaking out about the way the Commission has been treated by the Liberal Government.

“As the former Attorney-General who appointed Mr Kellam to the role of Chief Commissioner, I thank him for the great leadership he has provided to help establish the Integrity Commission and oversee its work these past five years,” Ms Giddings said.

“Mr Kellam’s frustration is obvious over how the Integrity Commission has been strangled by the Liberals.

“The outgoing Chief Commissioner doesn’t mince words when he accuses the Government of “complacency” and a lack of support for the Integrity Commission.

“I can understand Mr Kellam’s frustration and anger at the Hodgman Government’s attack on the Integrity Commission.

“Last year’s Budget slashed the Commission’s budget by 20 per cent making it impossible to investigate all complaints which warrant further investigation as pointed out by Mr Kellam.

Ms Giddings said the Government’s dislike for the Integrity Commission was further highlighted with the Attorney-
General Vanessa Goodwin’s irresponsible proposal to abolish the investigative arm of the Integrity Commission leaving it with only its educative role.

“It is clear the Hodgman Government wants to abolish the Integrity Commission and have no misconduct or corruption oversight body in the state.

“Mr Kellam’s comments in support of the Integrity Commission are a strong rebuke of the Premier and his Government from a very well-respected person.

“The Liberal Government should be ashamed of the way it has tried to restrict the effectiveness of the Integrity Commission.

“It sends precisely the wrong message to the community about openness and transparency.

“The Government must also make those legislative changes approved by the Integrity Committee of the Parliament a high priority. These should be able to be debated by both Houses of Parliament before the end of this year.”
Lara Giddings MP Shadow Attorney-General