Legislation to allow ICAC public hearings coming to Parliament

LEGISLATION to allow public hearings of maladministration inquiries held by the state’s Independent Commission Against Corruption will be introduced to Parliament on Wednesday.

Independent Commissioner Against Corruption Bruce Lander. Picture: AAP / David Mariuz

LEGISLATION to allow public hearings of maladministration inquiries held by the state’s Independent Commission Against Corruption will be introduced to Parliament on Wednesday.

Premier Steven Marshall has confirmed the move, which could result in open hearings by the end of the year.

The legislation is almost certain to pass, with support from key crossbenchers.

Under SA’s secretive ICAC laws, all maladministration inquiries have been held in secret. That includes the Gillman land deal and Oakden aged-care scandal inquiries, where senior ministers and former MPs were cross-examined.

Open maladministration hearings would be permitted where the ICAC Commissioner deems it in the public interest to do so.

Current ICAC Commissioner Bruce Lander has said open hearings should be permitted in some occasions to boost public confidence that his hearings are thorough.

Also in Parliament this week, new members will give maiden speeches.

Mr Marshall will also seek support for a supply bill to ensure the Government can pay its bills until the passage of the State Budget in September, which was delayed due to the election in March.