Media Release: Commitment to Pursue Democracy Agenda for 51st Tasmanian Parliament
Commitment to Pursue Democracy Agenda for 51st Tasmanian Parliament
13 May 2024 Independent Member for Nelson Meg Webb said she will prioritise reform of the state’s political donations laws and the establishment of a Parliamentary Committee on Electoral Matters in response to two strengthening democracy and integrity plans released today by the Australia Institute and the CPSU.
“I welcome both the timely and prescient Australia Institute’s proposed Democracy Agenda for the 51st Tasmanian Parliament of Tasmania, and the CPSU’s Integrity Roadmap for the Tasmanian Public Sector,” Ms Webb said.
“Once Parliament resumes I undertake to pursue as many of these import democracy strengthening reforms as possible.
“With the new political donations laws still not commenced, there is an opportunity for further reform to provide greater transparency, timeliness and equity right from the word go. This reform is a key and urgent priority.
“I will also be prioritising the establishment of a Joint House Parliamentary Committee into Electoral Matters, which is a standard piece of democracy oversight infrastructure in our Federal parliament as well as NSW and Victoria.”
Ms Webb said both the Democracy Agenda report and the Integrity Roadmap provide clear sets of priorities which focus on delivering much-needed reforms consistent with community expectations.
“Both these democracy and integrity reform reports surf the wave of community sentiment expressed at both the March State election and recent Upper House elections.
“During those campaigns the need for strengthened democratic checks and balances, more rigorous political donations disclosure regimes, and real transparency and integrity were emphasised loudly by communities statewide.
“Clearly, community expectation is now leading public debate, and elected representatives must catch-up, and catch-up quickly.
“Importantly these proposals recognise that improving strength and health of our democracy requires not just big ticket reforms such as a more robust Integrity Commission.
“It is equally necessary we focus on improving the day-to-day governance and accountability mechanisms within parliament, government and our public service.”
Ms Webb also highlighted the opportunities the new balance of power parliament provides for the implementation of democratic reforms.
“Tasmanians have also voted for the largest crossbench in our State’s history, indicating an expectation that people come out from their trenches, and work collaboratively to secure good public policy outcomes.
“The proposed Democracy Agenda and Integrity Roadmap for the Public Sector should receive in-principle support across all elected representatives. We should all be invested in ensuring a robust democracy, and there should be a broad willingness to implement reforms which strengthen the integrity and functionality of our Parliament and state service.
“Minority government provides an excellent opportunity to prioritise and cooperate on the task of strengthening our democracy and restoring public trust in our Tasmanian political landscape.
“I thank the Australia Institute and the CPSU for their work and contribution on this important topic as members of our civil society, and urge others, whether politicians or interested members of the public, to also engage with these proposals.”
