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

If English is not your first language and if your own experience with authorities has been in your home country with less democratic procedures, it would be terrifying.

Such was the case for the deputy general manager of the company Wu International, who took his own life after being called as a witness for a New South Wales ICAC investigation. While he was named in the media, I have chosen to be respectful and not name him again, due to cultural sensitivity. In his suicide note to his wife and daughter he wrote that having ICAC officers fronting up at his doorstep to serve the summons reminded him of his father back in China when the CCP officers turned up at their home to arrest him. He was also informed by ICAC not to share that he had been summoned with any individuals, including family members. Yesterday I read an excerpt of his suicide note reported into the Sydney Morning Herald and today I will read another:

I have decided to leave this world, which is also my last hardest attempt to prevent you and our daughter from becoming family members of a criminal; this is because I am still innocent at the time I wrote this letter

he wrote in his suicide note, which was translated into English.

Whether it is a private or a public hearing, it is clear that these investigations take a toll on an individual, especially if they're called as a witness and have not been found guilty yet. It takes a mental toll, even if they are called simply as a witness. Corrupt conduct must always be investigated, and perpetrators must always be held accountable. But this should not be at the expense of someone taking their own life. In the case I've just painted, had the director known he wasn't alone, had he known he didn't have to shoulder the burden alone and that he could have spoken to his wife and another mental health professional, then maybe he would still be alive today. Maybe his daughter would not be growing up without a father.

It is our responsibility as lawmakers to ensure that legislation doesn't have adverse impacts on individuals and communities. It's my hope that this these amendments will protect those who may be called into a public or private hearing to provide an honest account without being unjustly scrutinised by the media and overall by the public. After all, we live in a democracy, and we have the right to have a fair trial before proven guilty. Thank you.

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