Attorney-General flags new rules for misbehaving MPs after the Sam Duluk allegations
A new commission to enforce standards among politicians could be on its way to SA in the wake of the Sam Duluk Christmas party scandal.
SA News
Don't miss out on the headlines from SA News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- Duluk drama stirs up old Liberal split
- Subscriber rewards: Win Adelaide Oval Stadium Club memberships
Attorney-General Vickie Chapman is investigating ways to fix the system that deals with workplace complaints between MPs.
In light of the Sam Duluk affair, there are growing calls for the establishment of a Standards Commissioner to deal with circumstances where MP are accused of inappropriate behaviour toward another MP.
Mr Duluk has been kicked out of the party room and has suspended his membership of the Liberals after being reported by police for basic assault after allegedly slapping the bottom of SA Best MP Connie Bonaros.
Greens MP Tammy Franks has vowed to put forward a Bill in coming weeks for the establishment of a Standards Commissioner.
Ms Chapman said she is considering what can be done for not only MPs, but also councillors and judges where there is also confusion about how to deal with complaints.
“I have already had conversations with, and the helpful advice of, the Equal Opportunity Commissioner, because obviously she has had some experience in dealing with workplace concerns that have been raised,” she said.
“She has a process, under legislation, for conciliation and, if necessary, for referral to the equal opportunity tribunal.
“(But) the circumstances and processes in relation to MPs in this workplace, as well as elected members in councils, local government and judges, is different from other workplaces.
MORE NEWS:
“The constitutional issues in relation to us particularly, and parliamentary privilege specifically, are complex, so there is no simple answer, but that does not mean that we should not deal with them.
“It should not mean that we do not re-look at what our position is, and that is precisely what I am doing on behalf of the Government.”
Ms Franks said that the political games played in state parliament were many layered. “If I had a problem with a colleague, I could use my internal party processes,” she said.
“If my problem was with a member of another party, I do not have those internal party processes at my disposal.
“But I am sure that every member of this place knows at least two or three stories of inappropriate behaviour by people in their own parties.”
