Dr WOODRUFF – Minister, the Cox Review is nine years old and only six of the 55 recommendations have been implemented. You’ve said that you’re bringing legislation to parliament this year to progress reforms. As it stands, MPs and candidates cannot be investigated during election periods. Can you please tell me whether reforms to that aspect of the act will be included in your tranche by the end of the year, and how many of the Cox recommendations will form part of that legislation?
Mr BARNETT – Thanks very much for the question. As I’ve indicated to the honourable member, Mr George, that very substantial draft legislation is expected to be released prior to Christmas for consultation, and then to progress through the parliament in the first half of next year. The sooner the better. I will take advice from my secretary or the deputy secretary to assist in terms of a further response to add to my answer, if they have that to hand. Otherwise, I’m sure we could take it on notice, but let’s see if we have it for the committee.
So, my advice is, the reference you made to those actions of MPs during election campaigns is expected in the second half of next year.
Dr WOODRUFF – The third tranche?
Mr BARNETT – There will be a third tranche, yes. We have the main body of work, which will be delivered prior to Christmas, draft feedback in the first half of next year, but sooner is possible. Then we have allocated an opportunity for a further tranche in the second half of next year. I can’t make a commitment to that, but that will be considered as part of the third tranche. As I say, we’ll get feedback on that and provide a consultation process in the usual way. Regarding that third tranche, that’ll have to be carefully considered and obviously responded to in the usual way.
Dr WOODRUFF – Before I ask my second question, you were going to answer how many of the Cox recommendations will be in this first tranche?
Mr BARNETT – Thank you. I don’t have that to hand. We could return hopefully while we’re having the hearing and get back to you.
Dr WOODRUFF – Regarding the recommendations of the Weiss and the Cox Review ‑ the Weiss review being about preventing child sexual abuse in terms of investigations that can be done. The past commissioner of the Integrity Commission was abundantly clear that they can’t do their current body of work without extra funding and was specifically clear they could not take on actions for the Weiss review recommendations without extra money. You haven’t provided that in this Budget for the Integrity Commission. How do you expect them to be able to do the work they already have as well as fulfil the requirements of the legislation you’re proposing? Do you think they can make money out of thin air?
Mr BARNETT – Thank you for the question. I don’t appreciate your last comment, but it’s similar to Mr George’s question earlier today. We obviously have an interim budget which we’re sitting here talking about now. There will be a May budget.
I draw to your attention that the mandatory notifications legislation, if passed, will not kick in until halfway through next year. Once it’s passed, it won’t be until next year because we won’t have time to conclude it this year. That will require more resources for the Integrity Commission. That’s my view and I hold to that view and you can hold me accountable to that view.
We then have the May Budget and then future budgets. In terms of the Integrity Commission’s efforts and resources, you’ll have to watch this space, but we have every belief that there will be further resources required by the Integrity Commission and that will be reflected in future budgets.
