5 years ago
MORRISON VOTES AGAINST INTEGRITY COMMISSION
MARK DREYFUS QC MP
The Morrison Government has shown that it is not serious about integrity or tackling corruption in the Federal Government.
Government senators voted against legislation establishing a National Integrity Commission, but were left isolated with the motion passing 35-32.
Today’s vote by the Senate in favour of a National Integrity Commission highlights the fact that the Morrison Government has no interest in tackling corruption.
It has now been almost nine months since the Prime Minister and Attorney-General announced on 13 December 2018 that they would establish a Commonwealth Integrity Commission.
That same day the Prime Minister told 2GB it "was something I had to resolve by the end of the year".
But the Government’s legislative agenda makes no mention of an integrity commission, making clear it has no intention of bringing legislation before the Parliament this year, if ever.
Given the scandals which continue to rock this tired third-term government, it’s clear why the Prime Minister and Attorney-General are not in the least bit interested in integrity.
Last term, the Liberal Government voted against a royal commission into banking scandals 26 times.
Despite clear public support, they had to be dragged into agreeing to that inquiry, kicking and screaming all the way. They are now doing the same thing with a National Integrity Commission, despite overwhelming public support for such a body from the Australian people.
Labor went to the last election with a commitment for a National Integrity Commission with all the powers, independence and resources of a standing royal commission.
A government serious about tackling corruption would bring forward its own legislation immediately.
Government senators voted against legislation establishing a National Integrity Commission, but were left isolated with the motion passing 35-32.
Today’s vote by the Senate in favour of a National Integrity Commission highlights the fact that the Morrison Government has no interest in tackling corruption.
It has now been almost nine months since the Prime Minister and Attorney-General announced on 13 December 2018 that they would establish a Commonwealth Integrity Commission.
That same day the Prime Minister told 2GB it "was something I had to resolve by the end of the year".
But the Government’s legislative agenda makes no mention of an integrity commission, making clear it has no intention of bringing legislation before the Parliament this year, if ever.
Given the scandals which continue to rock this tired third-term government, it’s clear why the Prime Minister and Attorney-General are not in the least bit interested in integrity.
Last term, the Liberal Government voted against a royal commission into banking scandals 26 times.
Despite clear public support, they had to be dragged into agreeing to that inquiry, kicking and screaming all the way. They are now doing the same thing with a National Integrity Commission, despite overwhelming public support for such a body from the Australian people.
Labor went to the last election with a commitment for a National Integrity Commission with all the powers, independence and resources of a standing royal commission.
A government serious about tackling corruption would bring forward its own legislation immediately.