Cassy O’Connor MP | Greens’ Leader
With the Hodgman Liberals in the spotlight over claims of nepotism and misconduct, the Integrity Commission’s recommendations released today are overdue.
It is well past time the Premier listened to, and acted on, the Commission’s advice for strengthening transparency, integrity and public confidence in government and Parliamentarians.
So far, the Premier has failed to act on the Commission’s call to establish and offence of Misconduct in Public Office and a Code of Conduct for members of Parliament. Indeed, the Liberals in the House of Assembly have voted against both reforms in this term of government.
If Mr Hodgman had acted sooner to implement the Integrity Commission’s recommendations, some of the scandals besetting his government now may not have taken place or measures to respond to them would be in place.
The Hodgman Liberals’ enduring legacy in government looks set to be an inability to tell the truth and accept responsibility for problems of their own making, as well as a casual disregard for the public interest and the need for accountability.
Scandals surrounding Hodgman Government ministers, allegations of favouring of mates or corporate donors highlight the need for a Code of Conduct for Members of Parliament - another key recommendation from the Integrity Commission which the Liberals have not only ignored, they voted against it in October this year.
As we know, a fish rots from the head, so it’s hardly surprising standards of transparency and accountability under the Liberals are being found wanting by the Integrity Commission.