Allan government set to launch new parliamentary integrity watchdog to monitor MPs
Commissioners on a new tribunal aimed at keeping MPs from behaving badly will be paid up to $1500 a day for their trouble. It follows a series of serious incidents involving Victorian politicians.
Victoria
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Commissioners on a tribunal aimed at keeping MPs in check for bad behaviour will pocket between $1200 and $1500 a day.
The whopping wage has been revealed as the Allan government is poised to officially launch the new parliamentary integrity watchdog, after a series of serious incidents involving MPs.
The Victorian government put legislation to the house to establish the new Parliamentary Integrity Commission after a former Victorian political staffer claimed she was raped by dumped Labor MP Will Fowles last year.
The alleged victim claims she was attacked in a taxpayer-funded room at the five-star Le Meridien hotel on Bourke St on August 2, 2023.
Mr Fowles has denied the claim.
More recently, Greens MP for Prahran Sam Hibbins, who is married, stepped down after admitting he breached party room rules when he had an affair with one of his staffers.
Mr Hibbins said the relationship was consensual and had “ended some time ago” but noted that he had breached party room rules.
The workplace relationship would likely also be the type of case scrutinised by the commission.
Three Victorian MPs, including Mr Hibbins and Mr Fowles, have been exiled to the crossbench over inappropriate behaviour towards current or former female staff members in the past 18 months.
Disgraced former Labor MP Darren Cheeseman was kicked out of the Labor Party room following allegations of “persistent and inappropriate behaviour”.
At the time, Premier Jacinta Allan confirmed that Victoria Police would not be called in to investigate allegations of “inappropriate behaviour” against Mr Cheeseman.
But the commission will not have retrospective powers, meaning it cannot probe allegations of bad behaviour from these MPs.
It’s not yet clear whether Mr Hibbins will be investigated, with the integrity commission not yet up and running.
The state has been searching for three commissioners to launch the agency — one full time and two part time.
It’s understood their salaries will be similar to the Victorian Remuneration Tribunal, which will see the chair paid an annual salary of more than $450,000.
Co-chairs will earn slightly less and paid on a pro-rata basis.
They will investigate all bullying, harassment, sexual harassment and victimisation complaints.
The commission will produce reports and recommend that the parliament’s privilege committees punishes MPs if allegations are proven.
MPs found to have committed low level offending may be forced to issue a public apology or undergo training, while suspensions and fines may be recommended for more serious matters.
A Victorian Government spokesman said the commission would strengthen public confidence in elected representatives.
“This is the most significant overhaul of parliamentary oversight in the country,” the spokesman said.
“Everyone deserves the right to feel safe and respected at their workplace – it is simply not negotiable.
“With these reforms, Members of parliament are held to the highest standards of conduct and integrity, because that’s what Victorians expect and deserve.”
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