ICAC calls off Country Members Allowance investigation into some MPs, but not all
SA’s ICAC has named several country MPs as no longer under investigation over their travel allowance – but is still running an inquiry into others.
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The Independent Commissioner Against Corruption has called off her inquiry into nine country MPs – including two ousted ministers – who were being investigated over the travel expenses scandal.
Commissioner Ann Vanstone QC says she made the decision after finding no “evidence of misconduct” against the MPs. But her probe will continue into other MPs’ use of the controversial country members’ allowance.
Ms Vanstone made her decision after considering material collected by the Office for Public Integrity.
She has stopped her investigations into former ministers Stephan Knoll and Tim Whetstone, who lost their portfolios over the scandal.
Ms Vanstone also cancelled inquiries into Mining Minister Dan van Holst Pellekaan, Primary Industries Minister David Basham, former government whip Adrian Pederick, Liberal backbenchers Nicholas McBride and Peter Treloar, Labor’s Edward Hughes and independent Frome MP Geoff Brock.
“Given that the information provided so far does not reveal evidence of misconduct, I have decided not to widen those inquiries to other members of Parliament,” Ms Vanstone said.
“Due to the publicity that these matters have attracted, I think it is in the public interest that where I have reached a view on the information currently available to me that there will be no further inquiry or investigation of a particular member, I should say so publicly.
“Because of the confidentiality provisions of the Independent Commissioner Against Corruption Act 2012, the individuals concerned are not permitted to do so; although in each relevant case the member has been advised of the outcome.”
Ms Vanstone, who became commissioner last month, said her investigation into claims made by other members was continuing.
“No conclusion ought to be drawn in respect of the conduct of persons who I have not named today,” she said. “I will provide a further update when it is appropriate to do so.”
Mr Whetstone said the ICAC statement was a “weight off the shoulders”.
“I try to carry myself with a high level of integrity,” he said.
“I have paid the ultimate price as a politician. I now have to just keep working to support the government’s agenda and create opportunities.”
Former ICAC commissioner Bruce Lander first launched the investigation into MPs’ use of the allowance in July. It came after five Liberals admitted errors or confusion over their payments.
Mr Knoll, who claimed money for staying at his parents’ home, and Mr Whetstone paid back tens of thousands of dollars and resigned from the front bench over the scandal, while Mr Pederick and backbencher Fraser Ellis also returned money. MLC Terry Stephens also resigned from his role as Upper House president.
