Media Release: Election Pork-barrelling demonstrates lack of integrity

Pork-barrelling demonstrates lack of integrity

11 March 2024

Independent for Nelson Meg Webb today condemned the lack of integrity demonstrated by Liberal Party election announcements of funding commitments to community and sporting groups, a practice previously identified as inappropriate by the Tasmanian Integrity Commission.

“It is disappointing to see the re-emergence of pork-barrelling behaviour by the Liberal Party in yet another election, which flies in the face of previous warnings from the Integrity Commission,” Ms Webb said.

Ms Webb said two years ago the Integrity Commission recommended transparency reforms to election commitment processes be legislated before the next State election.

“The government failed to do so and is now flouting the Commission’s advice.

“In its 2022 report the Integrity Commission stated: ‘… it is unavoidable that grant promises will continue to be made with little process or policy backing, and may be – or be perceived to be – for political outcomes only i.e. pork barrelling. This can undermine trust in government, and in the democratic process itself.’

“Tasmanian taxpayers’ money should not be treated as vote-buying slush fund by major parties.

“The Integrity Commission was clear that election funding commitments should be made through an open and fair process with accountability around the decision-making.

“Tasmanian tax-payers deserve transparency on how public money is being prioritised and allocated.

“For the Liberal Party to persist with these pork-barrelling promises shows it either believes the Integrity Commission is wrong, or they are prepared to blatantly breach public expectations of integrity to boost their political self-interest.”

“Parties of all stripes like to loudly state their commitment to transparency.

“During an election campaign, it is vital that all parties walk the talk – these announcements from the Liberal Party utterly fail on any measure of integrity and transparency and instead see taxpayer funds and resources deployed to buy votes,” Ms Webb said.

Further Information:

Tasmanian Integrity Commission, Ethical Conduct and Potential Misconduct Risks in Tasmanian Parliamentary Elections Research Paper Series:

• Paper 2 Grant Commitments in Election Campaigns, April 2022.
• Paper 1: Tasmania’s Electoral Act Offences and Campaign Conduct, 2021.

View a Background Briefing Paper on Election Integrity released by Meg, either below or ia a link here: