‘No consequences’: NT Greens reveal plan to improve political integrity

The NT Greens says there must be consequences for politicians who breach the ministerial code of conduct, calling for stronger standards to stop ‘rolling scandals’ in Territory politics.

NT Greens candidate for Fannie Bay Suki Dorras-Walker as the party launches its plan to improve integrity in politics. Picture: Fia Walsh.

The NT Greens says there must be consequences for politicians who breach the ministerial code of conduct, calling for standards to meet the rest of the country to stop “rolling scandals” in Territory politics.

The Greens launched its integrity policy on Friday, to establish a lobbyist register, to demand politicians publicly publish their diaries, and to put a three year ban on ministers jumping to a private sector job related to their portfolio after leaving politics.

The party also proposes to ban all politician donations from certain industries, including fossil fuels, mining and resources, property developers, liquor, tobacco and gambling.

Fannie Bay candidate Suki Dorras-Walker said one day that policy could extend to all political donations, but the initial focus was on industries the Greens deemed to have the highest social cost.

“We’ve got to start somewhere, and so we’ve started with the industries that have real competing interests with the community,” she said.

“We would absolutely like to see elections publicly funded and more regulation in that (donation) space.”

NT Greens candidate for Nightcliff Kat McNamara and Fannie Bay candidate Suki Dorras-Walker, as the party launches its plan to improve integrity in politics. Picture: Fia Walsh.

Ms Dorras-Walker said the NT ministerial code of conduct should be strengthened to match standards for federal politicians.

“The fact that the code of conduct is not enforceable is something that we really need to see change,” she said.

“We’re seeing scandal after scandal and people are not seeing the consequences for those representatives, and it’s meaning that we’re losing trust in our democracy.”

Nightcliff candidate Kat McNamara said Territorians had made it clear integrity in politics was a key issue going into the August 24 election.

“If there’s one thing that unites voters across the political divide, it is unfortunately their distrust in politicians,” Ms McNamara said.

“They say sunshine is the best disinfectant – if our politicians believe that everything they do, and the lobbyists that they meet are above board, then they should have no problem with the public knowing about it.”