Page 379 - Week 02 - Wednesday, 10 February 2021
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MR BARR: I do not believe that is necessarily the case, but, as I indicated in my response to the previous questions, I have no problem with taking on board the advice of the Integrity Commission. That is why they were established and why one of their fundamental roles was around education. It was not just about phone taps and all that sort of stuff; it was about education and improving processes throughout the ACT public sector. I draw this to the attention of the Assembly. I am very happy to pursue it.
ACT public service—integrity
MRS JONES: My question is to the Chief Minister. I refer to the ACT Integrity Commission’s 2019-20 annual report, which states that the commission has identified current and emerging corruption vulnerabilities and how that might manifest in corrupt conduct. Chief Minister, what action will you take to address both these current and emerging corruption vulnerabilities?
MR BARR: The actions that have already been undertaken within the public sector, within this place, including many areas of reform.
Mrs Jones: What?
MR BARR: Well, we have a Commissioner for Standards, as we found out this week. I take these matters seriously, and we will act on the areas that the Integrity Commission has highlighted. But also, importantly, as I mentioned in response to the previous questions, a key part of its role—and what I hope to be the number one part of its role—is education and engagement with public sector agencies to prevent corruption in the first place.
MRS JONES: Why are there current and emerging corruption vulnerabilities? What exactly has been done since this report to change that circumstance?
MR BARR: Presumably there will always be emerging corruption possibilities. It is a constantly evolving area. World history would demonstrate that, going back to the formation of any communities with some form of governance structure. We will continue to work closely with the Integrity Commission and respond to issues as they emerge. Technology clearly plays a part here in preventing corruption and also, potentially, in allowing that to occur. We will need to pay close attention to that.
MS LEE: Chief Minister, why have you and your predecessors failed to adequately address current and emerging corruption vulnerabilities within your government? Is your admission that it may always exist an admission that you are not capable of getting it stamped out?
MR BARR: No and no. What an absurd question.
Drugs—pill testing
MR DAVIS: My question is to the Minister for Health and relates to the proposed fixed site pill testing pilot. Noting the government’s commitment in the last Assembly
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