September 26, 2022

Joint Statement – Crossbenchers committed to delivering anti-corruption commission with teeth

As members of the crossbench in the House of Representatives and the Senate, we were elected by our communities for our commitment to fight for integrity in politics and hold the Government to account when it comes to delivering a federal integrity commission.

Some of us have been in Parliament for many years, and others for just months. Our electorates are diverse, representing different states and territories, cities and the regions. But we are united in a will for a better standard of politics, and an integrity watchdog that will be respected by the public and improve trust in our democracy, just as our communities are.

As we prepare to see the Government’s legislation for the National Anti-Corruption Commission when it is introduced to Parliament this week, we reiterate our commitment to continue to work constructively with the Government to ensure the model that is implemented is the best it can be, will stamp out corruption, and improve integrity within government.

We have worked constructively with the Government in consultations on the bill and intend to continue in that manner as it is considered by committee and debated in both houses. We have been raising our detailed concerns with the Government for many months now in a good faith attempt to have them addressed in a timely way. We won’t delay the process for political games or point scoring, but won’t be rushed to vote in favour of a Bill that doesn’t make the grade.

We want to ensure the Commission is properly set up to do the job it needs to do, and is given the supporting infrastructure necessary to ensure its success in the future. This means:

• Strong whistleblower protection, including through a whistleblower protection commissioner
• Statutory oversight mechanisms that protect the independence of the commission
• Budgetary protection, independence and funding transparency
• Ability for own-motion investigations into so-called ‘grey corruption’
• Funding for pro-integrity measures including prevention and education
• Jurisdiction over third parties who seek to improperly influence government decisions and funding

These points have already been raised with the Government through formal and informal consultation, private meetings and in writing. They are not minor issues, but based on the lessons from integrity bodies in other states and territories, and from experts who have worked on these issues for many years.

It is now up to the Government to deliver an anti-corruption commission that is independent, strong, and trusted by the Australian people. We look forward to seeing the bill and working to ensure it is fit for purpose and fulfills its role for many years to come.

 

SIGNATORIES

 

Adam Bandt

Member for Melbourne and Leader of the Australian Greens

 

Kate Chaney

Member for Curtin

 

Zoe Daniel

Member for Goldstein

 

Helen Haines

Member for Indi

 

Bob Katter

Member for Kennedy

 

Dai Le

Member for Fowler

 

David Pocock

Senator for the Australian Capital Territory

 

Monique Ryan

Member for Kooyong

 

Sophie Scamps

Member for Mackellar

 

Rebekha Sharkie

Member for Mayo

 

David Shoebridge

Senator for New South Wales and Australian Greens Spokesperson for Justice

 

Allegra Spender

Member for Wentworth

 

Zali Steggall

Member for Warringah

 

Kylea Tink

Member for North Sydney

 

Andrew Wilkie

Member for Clark