The Liberals’ lack of interest in strengthening the toothless Integrity Commission was again on display in Parliament today, with the government implying delays to critical reforms, and refusing to commit to minimal funding needs.
When the Commission of Inquiry recommended reforms to the Integrity Commission, Premier Rockliff committed to bringing in legislation this year. However, under questioning he indicated these critically important reforms, and others identified by the Weiss review, would be pushed off for an indefinite period after yet another review of the Integrity Commission.
Tasmania doesn’t need another review of the Integrity Commission. It needs action on the urgent recommendations already made by the Commission of Inquiry, Weiss and Wilcox reviews.
These recommendations are important for many reasons, but we have to remember they’ve come about as a result of extensive investigations of child sexual abuse. Failure to implement them in a timely way is a failure to properly respond to this deeply serious issue.
Asked to respond to the Chief Commissioner’s calls for more funding given his agency’s current workload and expanding jurisdiction, we heard more deflection. Funding the Integrity Commission properly is a basic requirement for its effectiveness and genuine independence.
The Liberals’ continued refusal to strengthen the powers of the Integrity Commission and adequately resource it points to their determination to undermine the effectiveness of the state’s top investigative body. Requiring the Commission to implement the Weiss review recommendations without additional funding would place an even greater burden on a chronically underfunded agency.
Tasmanians have seen the Liberals’ delay on essential reforms before. Following the 2018 election, the Liberals committed to action on political donations, but it took five years and immense public pressure even for paltry reforms to happen.
How long will Tasmanians wait for an Integrity Commission with real teeth?
How many reviews will it take before we finally see action?
