Andrea Dawkins MP | Greens’ Education spokesperson
The Greens referred concerns about the governance of TasTafe to the Integrity Commission after serious allegations were raised with our office early last year. Those concerns centered around appointments and procurements specifically.
It is pleasing that the Integrity Commission have taken our referral seriously and investigated the matter thoroughly. Their report, tabled in Parliament today, was comprehensive, raised a number of serious issues and recommended improved processes and consideration of code of conduct investigations.
TasTafe plays a critical part of Tasmania’s education system, helping young people develop skills for their future. They need support to teach trades, and we hope this investigation and the actions surrounding it will not impede that.
The investigation and subsequent report reinforce the importance of well-funded and independent oversight of the public service. Without bodies like the Integrity Commission allegations and conduct are not able to be investigated with the same strength.
The government appears to have taken this matter seriously. The Deputy Premier assured Parliament they will be implementing the recommended changes to recruitment, induction, and procurement processes, however, the Greens will be following this up in this year’s Budget Estimates.
While the Integrity Commission found no evidence of it, it’s worth noting Tasmania is the only Australian jurisdiction without a crime of misconduct in public office. Last year, the government voted against a Greens’ amendment to the Criminal Code Act 1924 that would have introduced this crime.