The Morrison Government has failed its own deadline on integrity with the first anniversary of its commitment to a national integrity commission passing with no action.
A year ago today the Prime Minister and Attorney-General announced they would establish a Commonwealth Integrity Commission.
At that time, Mr Morrison insisted work had already been underway on the proposal “since January” – meaning it’s now been almost two years since the Government claims to have started working on a Commonwealth Integrity Commission.
In September, Mr Porter promised that draft legislation would be produced “well within” 12 months of the December 2018 announcement.
Mr ALBANESE (Grayndler-Leader of the Opposition) (14:55): My question is addressed to the Prime Minister. When will the Prime Minister introduce legislation into this parliament to establish the Commonwealth Integrity Commission that he promised last year?
Mr PORTER (Pearce-Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Leader of the House) (14:56): We have been through this a number of times and the reality is that we have taken time and care. A draft is well advanced. That will go out to public consultation. Of course, it was the case that members opposite said that when they came into government they would take 12 full months of consultation before presenting a draft. We’ll do it well within that time.
House of Representatives, 11 September 2019
Given the scandals which continue to rock this tired third-term Government, it’s clear why the Prime Minister and Attorney-General are not in the least bit interested in integrity.
Despite overwhelming public support for a national integrity commission the Government had to be dragged to supporting one, kicking and screaming all the way.
Unlike the Morrison Government, Labor believes tackling corruption and promoting integrity is essential to restoring public trust in government.
