Tasmania's Integrity Commission Review Stalled by Legal Issues
The independent review of Tasmania's Integrity Commission has been halted due to a legal issue, Premier Jeremy Rockliff announced. This review was a key condition of the minority government's confidence and supply deal with the Jacqui Lambie Network (JLN).
The government's concern is that appointing an independent reviewer might conflict with the functions of the parliamentary committee on integrity, which is tasked with monitoring, reviewing, and reporting on the Integrity Commission's performance.
The deal with the three Jacqui Lambie Network MPs – Andrew Jenner, Rebekah Pentland, and Miriam Beswick – lapsed last year when Ms. Pentland and Ms. Beswick quit the party and became independents. While Mr. Jenner hasn't reached a new agreement with Mr. Rockliff, Ms. Pentland and Ms. Beswick signed a new deal in August, which included retaining and fulfilling the integrity review within the original timeframe.
While disappointed, Ms. Beswick believes the joint committee on integrity can still examine the Integrity Commission and potentially have more power than an independent reviewer. Mr. Jenner, however, expressed frustration, stating that the cancellation confirms neither the premier nor his government can be trusted.
Independent MLC Meg Webb questioned the legitimacy of the legal issue as a reason for halting the review, especially considering the significant delay in raising this concern. She also highlighted the Integrity Commission's underfunding and outdated legislation, emphasizing the need for reform.
The government has yet to clarify when the legal issue was identified and why this review cannot proceed while the 2016 review of the commission was possible. A spokesperson argued that the 2016 review was enabled by a specific legislative provision that has since expired, leaving the ongoing oversight responsibility with the Joint Standing Committee on Integrity.
Labor leader Dean Winter criticized both the government and the independents for their handling of the situation. He believes the government rushed into the deal without proper due diligence, while the independents haven't held the government accountable for its commitment. Ms. Pentland, however, rejected this suggestion, stating that she and Ms. Beswick are holding the government accountable.
The next meeting of the Joint Standing Committee on Integrity on March 11 will discuss the possibility of conducting a review.
10 Comments
Matzomaster
“Holding the government accountable at every step is crucial for real change. I support this call for reform.”
Karamba
“A stalled review is a setback, but it’s also a wake-up call for the urgent reforms our system needs.”
Rotfront
“It’s refreshing to see independent voices pushing for the scrutiny our institutions desperately need.”
Karamba
“Finally, someone is shining a light on the issues holding back a proper review of our integrity watchdog.”
Matzomaster
“It’s high time the powers that be were forced to address conflicts of interest and improve oversight.”
BuggaBoom
“I stand with those who believe that a joint committee could offer even stronger scrutiny than an independent review.”
Katchuka
“This isn’t just a technical issue; it’s a sign of deeper unwillingness to uphold transparency.”
Eugene Alta
“This discussion is exactly what we need to focus on reforming our outdated system and underfunded commission.”
Noir Black
“What a disappointment—the integrity of our institutions is being sacrificed on the altar of political convenience.”
KittyKat
“I applaud the commitment to accountability—even if the process is rocky, it’s a step toward needed reform.”