Media Release: Launch of New Parliamentary Friends of Public Integrity Group

Launch of new Parliamentary Friends of Public Integrity Group

16 March 2026

A new Tasmanian parliamentary group will be launched today to provide a specific focus on strengthening public integrity, with participation from across the political divide.

The inaugural Parliamentary Friends of Public Integrity will kick off proceedings  with a panel discussion featuring the Hon Michael Barker KC, Director of the Centre for Public Integrity and former Federal Court judge, along with Professor Gabrielle Appleby, Research Director of the CPI and Director of the Judiciary Project at the national Gilbert + Tobin Centre of Public Law.

Co-founders of the new cross-parliamentary group, Independent Member for Nelson Meg Webb MLC and Independent Member for Clark Kristie Johnston MP said the project will provide a forum for ongoing discussions on the significant role  MPs, statutory oversight officers, civil society and the media can play in strengthening the state’s integrity practices and oversight, and restore public confidence in our democratic systems of governance.

“We believe the new Parliamentary Friends of Public Integrity is a national first,” Ms Webb said.

“This group provides an exciting opportunity for MPs of all political stripes to come together, along with key stakeholders, and find common ground in strengthening and protecting our robust integrity architecture.

“We cannot afford to be complacent, as any real or perceived cracks in our integrity standards or oversight risks compromising community confidence,” Ms Johnston said.

“All MPs, our statutory oversight bodies, civil society and the media all have a role to play to ensure we understand and deliver the highest possible integrity standards.

The launch features a panel discussion co-hosted with the national-based Centre for Public Integrity, and MC’d by Sabra Lane, ABC journalist and presenter.