Mark Dreyfus (Isaacs, Australian Labor Party, Cabinet Secretary) Share this | Hansard source

I thank members for their contribution to this debate on the Ministers of State Amendment Bill 2022. The inquiry into the appointment of the former prime minister to administer multiple departments, led by former High Court Justice the Hon. Virginia Bell AC, has made an important contribution to enhancing transparency and accountability in our democracy. The primary purpose of this bill is to implement the first six recommendations of that inquiry. The implementation of these recommendations ensures that the Australian public can have full confidence that this breach of trust can never happen again. As mentioned in the second reading speech, the bill will implement reforms to ensure the Australian people are able to access information relating to the composition of the federal executive council, those appointed to administer certain departments of state, and the high offices that ministers of state hold. This bill demonstrates the government's readiness to act promptly to restore the Australian people's confidence in our federal system of government and to rebuild integrity in public sector institutions, processes and officials.

The inquiry sought to find out how the situation happened, why it happened and who knew about it, and it reflected on the culture that enabled it to happen. It is essential that we have transparency in our government processes, because our system of parliamentary democracy relies upon conventions and the Westminster traditions of checks and balances. As was made very clear by the Solicitor-General:

… it is impossible for the Parliament to hold Ministers to account for the administration of departments if it does not know which Ministers are responsible for which departments.

As such, Ms Bell and her team are commended for their service in leading this inquiry. The government has accepted and implemented all of Ms Bell's other recommendations. In addition, members may be aware that the Ministers of State Act 1952 has been listed under the finance portfolio in the administrative arrangements order. On 8 June 2023 the Governor-General agreed to the Prime Minister's recommendations that the act transferred to the Prime Minister's portfolio. This reflects the provisions currently in the act and the measures that will be implemented by this bill.

The passage of this bill also demonstrates that the government is delivering on its promise to restore trust and integrity to federal politics. The centrepiece of this is a powerful, transparent and independent National Anti-Corruption Commission. The measures in the bill will provide greater integrity and transparency around the process of appointing elected officials to high office, especially to ensure that we have a system of government where there are checks and balances and where one person cannot again garner powers without adequate and warranted accountability to the Australian people and the Australian parliament.

Question agreed to.

Bill read a second time.

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