Media Release: Shutdown of Promised Independent Review of Integrity Commission Raises Further Questions
Shutdown of Promised Independent Review of Integrity Commission Raises Further Questions
Independent Member for Nelson Meg Webb today called on the State Government to disclose any advice received identifying the legislative obstacle preventing the independent review of the Integrity Commission and detail whether the option of amendments to address that obstacle have been explored.
“It beggars belief that days prior the resumption of Parliament and almost 10 months after signing the Agreement with the then-JLN MPs the government announces there is a legislative obstacle to delivering the promised independent review of the Integrity Commission,” Ms Webb said.
“This bizarre 11th hour excuse smells.
“The Rockliff Government must release any formal advice detailing the nature of this legislative obstacle, so all Tasmanians can understand why this promise has been broken.
“The Government should also answer whether advice has been sought on potential amendments that may address this legislative obstacle and enable the promised independent review of the Integrity Commission.
“If the option of legislative amendments has not been examined, then clearly that should be a priority.
“Tasmanians also have the right to expect an immediate recommitment by the government to the full implementation of the remaining recommendations from the 2016 independent Cox Review of the Integrity Commission Act 2009.”
Ms Webb said the first tranche of the total 55 Cox Review recommendations were passed by the Parliament back in 2017.
“Yet for the last 10 months the Rockliff Government has used the promised independent review of the Commission to justify stalling the implementation of the remaining recommendations.
“According to the government’s own logic, swift movement on those outstanding recommendations should now be prioritised in the wake of the abandonment of the promised independent review of the Integrity Commission,” Ms Webb said.
