Katie Allen (Higgins, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

I rise to speak to the motion moved by the member for Clark and acknowledge his longstanding interest in this matter, and I thank the member for Indi for her comments on his behalf.

Anyone who picks up the paper these days knows that public trust in governments and other institutions has eroded significantly over the last few decades. No-one really knows why that is, but we do know that trust in the integrity of our democracy is key to a democracy's success. The Economist's democracy index makes for an interesting read on this issue. It says that fewer than five per cent of the world's governments are fully functioning democracies. We are indeed fortunate that Australia is one of a handful of countries listed as a full democracy. It says much about how our country provides for basic clinical freedoms and that civil liberties are respected. The US was downgraded to a flawed democracy in 2016.

One of the most important aspects of our high democracy ranking is that we have a political culture conducive to the flourishing of a democracy. Integral to that is ensuring the integrity of those who make the decisions on our behalf, both the lawmakers and law enforcers of our nation. That is why I welcomed the Morrison government's commitment to the establishment of the Commonwealth Integrity Commission at the last election. It is a commitment that was made to the Australian people, and one that must be delivered on. This commission will help restore trust and integrity in our public sector, government and elected officials.

To this effect, the Morrison government has conducted a nationwide consultation process, drafting legislation for the implementation of the Commonwealth Integrity Commission. The consultation has included civil society, academics and key experts across the government and non-government sector. We are determined to get this right. 333 written submissions were received and 47 consultation sessions have been held. The government is now considering this feedback and refining the draft legislation in order for it to be introduced into parliament, I understand, this year. It is anticipated that, following passage through the parliament, the commission will commence operation approximately six months later.

I want to see this commitment delivered in full this term and to have personally provided feedback on the draft bill to the Attorney-General. My constituents in Higgins have told me how important this [inaudible]. They also know how important this commitment is and understand the level of methodical and thorough consultation that is required to get this bill right. The Commonwealth Integrity Commission, I believe, should be able to initiate investigations. I also believe the definition of corruption and when referrals need to be made should be looked at more carefully so that there is clarity about when it is appropriate to initiate investigations.

I note that in the draft bill public officials and politicians are treated differently from law enforcement agencies. I want to see the gap between these entities either narrowed or eliminated. What I do not want to see is for the Commonwealth Integrity Commission to become a politicised body, a body that could be weaponised against elected officials for political gain. Safeguards are needed to prevent the Commonwealth Integrity Commission from becoming a political monster with unintended consequences. We most certainly need to get the balance right.

A crucial element of these reforms to establish a Commonwealth integrity commission is the ability for the commission to formally investigate past conduct and matters that occurred prior to its commencement. We have had an undertaking from the government that this will include over 145 criminal offences that currently exist in legislation, including bribing of an elected official, fraud, abuse of office and falsification of documents. The commission will have more power than a royal commission. This is in line with fundamental principles of our justice system.

It is worth mentioning that on this side of the House we know that in order to have an integrity commission that is powerful, independent and effective it must be properly funded. The government has already put in place the funding required for when the Commonwealth Integrity Commission legislation is passed. To this point, the Morrison government has already committed $106 million of new money to the Commonwealth Integrity Commission in last year's budget, in preparation for the CIC to be established.

It is so important that we get the balance right for Australians and for Australia, and for our democracy. It's so that we can have confidence that the Commonwealth Integrity Commission will operate effectively. It is important to the ongoing integrity of Australia's democracy, and I welcome the debate that is currently taking place.

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