Dai Le (Fowler, Independent) Share this | Hansard source

by leave—I move amendments (1) to (3), as circulated in my name, together:

(1) Clause 63, page 64 (line 10), at the end of subclause (4), add:

; and (c) include contact details for translator services.

(2) Page 65 (after line 19), after clause 66, insert:

66A Services that must be provided to persons appearing at hearings

(1) The Commissioner must cause the following to be provided to a person who appears at a hearing:

(a) appropriate translation services during the hearing;

(b) mental health counselling and support services, provided by an appropriately qualified social support worker or health care professional (the treatment provider).

(2) If, under paragraph (1)(b), a person is provided with a counselling or support service by a treatment provider, neither the person nor the treatment provider is required to do anything under this Act that would disclose any statement made or any information given as part of the counselling or support service.

(3) Clause 73, page 68 (line 30), at the end of subclause (3), add:

; (f) whether a person giving evidence has a reasonable level of English language proficiency;

(g) the need for cultural sensitivity if the person giving evidence is from a non-English speaking background.

I know I'm constantly harping on about multicultural Australia, since being elected. In my electorate of Fowler, 70 per cent of our population was born overseas and speaks English as a second language, and, therefore, on every decision we make in this House, I have to take into consideration that which actually goes to my community.

First of all, I applaud the government for taking the necessary steps to end corruption and prevent future corruption. It is important to also note the tireless advocacy of crossbench members who have come before me, like the former member for Indi, Cathy McGowan, and those in other places. It is important to also give recognition to my colleague the current member for Indi, Dr Helen Haines. She has been a passionate driver of this bill. She holds herself to the highest standards not only in this House but in her community every day. She is a prime example of what it means to lead with integrity and transparency.

The amendments I have risen to move will do the following: increase cooperation between the commission and individuals of multicultural backgrounds; and assist those with language barriers to be fully understood and also to clearly communicate with the commission. Amendment (1) will ensure translation and interpretation services are available to Australians who require them. It means the commission will need to provide contact details for translator services in a situation where there is a language barrier. This amendment will ensure that is followed through to summons and the commission's investigative processes. Amendments (2) and (3) will ensure the commission will provide individuals with appropriate mental health resources and support through the commission process. Being called in front of an integrity commission can be daunting, can be shocking and can lead to suicide—and it has led to suicides. I want to ensure that, when the commission is established, investigating corruption is not at the cost of life, especially a life who was not corrupt or may have never been found corrupt.

I thank the government for making a note in the explanatory memorandum and for suggesting it will make sure the commission considers this important point in my amendments, but frankly I don't think that's enough. I understand the government believes all Commonwealth agencies should act with the highest standards and provide basic services like mental health support. But a suggestion is just that—a suggestion. It is not a mandate and it is not safeguarding the wellbeing of Australians or any individual that will appear before the commission.

I made my arguments for these amendments clear in my speech on the second reading debate of the bill, and I stand by those arguments. English is my second language. I learnt it, I grew up here, and I know how daunting it is when you get up in front of any authority, even for myself at times. So I thank the opposition for their support and those on the crossbench who will support and protect Australians, especially those of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and, in fact, all communities across Australia.

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