The Australia Institute lists what it thinks Tasmania’s new parliament should fix

Independent think-tank, The Australia Institute, has urged the state’s new parliament to replace the integrity commission with a new anti-corruption body. Their wishes >>

HOBART, AUSTRALIA – NewsWire Photos APRIL 30 2021: Parliament House, Hobart Waterfront, Tasmania. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Richard Jupe

Tasmania’s Integrity Commission is “weak and not fit for purpose” and should be replaced with a new anti-corruption commission, research identifying 16 key reforms for the new parliament reveals.

The Australia Institute, an independent think-tank, will on Monday release a report – Democracy Agenda for the 51st Tasmanian Parliament – based on research and consultation on democratic reform before the state election.

The report said research showed the Integrity Commission “continues to have jurisdictional, funding and secrecy problems”.

It said all other state integrity bodies were able to investigate corrupt conduct more broadly.

“The current Integrity Commission has never held a public hearing, despite having the power to do so, and does not publish all misconduct investigation reports publicly,” it said.

Director of the Australia Institute Tasmania Eloise Carr speaks to the media on Parliament Lawns in Hobart on Thursday, March 10, 2022.

Priorities for reform included strengthening donations disclosure requirements, introducing truth in political advertising laws, an end to political pork-barrelling and Right to Information reforms.

Institute Tasmanian director Eloise Carr said the new parliament provided “a golden opportunity” to strengthen integrity in politics.

“Democracy should never be taken for granted, and fortifying Tasmania’s democratic institutions is the responsibility of all parliamentarians,” she said.

“Tasmania lags behind other jurisdictions when it comes to key accountability and transparency mechanisms that ensure good government, including on political donations and protections against corruption.

“Tasmanians have elected a power sharing parliament, which history shows can be among the most productive in instituting democratic and parliamentary reform.”

Independent member for Nelson in the Legislative Council Meg Webb said the report was timely as it “surfs the wave of community sentiment” at recent elections.

“Clearly, community expectation is now leading public debate, and elected representatives must catch-up, and catch-up quickly,” she said.

“It is equally necessary we focus on improving the day-to-day governance and accountability mechanisms within parliament, government and our public service.”