INTEGRITY IN POLITICS
I believe integrity is fundamental to public trust and confidence in democracy.
Australians need to be confident that people in public office are held to the highest ethical standards. We expect decision making in government to be transparent and fair. Parliamentarians should lead by example and embed the best practice standards for safe and respectful conduct in their workplace. People who seek public office must conduct transparent and honest campaigns.
The National Anti-Corruption Commission ACT passed the parliament
This Bill has been a long time coming. The issue of integrity in Government was a key platform during my campaign and so many of you told me you are fed up with politicians not being subject to the same level of scrutiny and accountability as other professions.
Nearly 200 people from Curtin have invested time in understanding the NACC model and developing the Curtin contribution to this Act through our workshops. I am heartened by Curtin’s enthusiasm and dedication to doing politics differently.
I will continue to hold the Government to account until we have an efficient, fair and transparent National Anti-Corruption Commission up and running.
NACC policy Workshop
On 13 October 2022 we ran a successful experiment in doing politics differently. More than 50 constituents worked together with some friendly lawyers to put together Curtin’s submission on the NACC Bill which has been submitted to the Committee for consideration. You can read the Curtin Electorate’s submission here.
Curtin Community Forum on Integrity
I held a community forum at the Cambridge Library on 12 July with over 130 people attending. Experts Sam Vandongen SC and former Supreme Court Justice and National Integrity Committee member, the Honourable Carmel McLure shared their views on the most important components of a Commission.
The lively audience posed many serious questions and shared anecdotes relating to whistle-blowers, the capacity of a Commission to investigate past conduct and the risk that Government will ignore a Commission’s recommendations.
Everyone who attended was so engaged in the debate and keen to participate in shaping policy – look out for more public forums in the months ahead.
SUPPORTING NACC AMENDMENT
ABC Afternoon Briefing 23 Nov 2022 - NACC
SKY NEWS AFTERNOON - NACC
CENSURE MOTION AGAINST SCOTT MORRISON
On 30 November 2022 I supported the Censure Motion of the former Prime Minister, Scott Morrison. It is vital we draw a line in the sand and let the record show the former Prime Minister’s actions were unacceptable. This is not how democracy works in Australia.
