Page 1443 - Week 05 - Thursday, 13 May 2021
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(3) upon receiving the statement by Mr Milligan outlining how the information from constituents was used, the Assembly could consider whether the matter should be referred to the Assembly’s Commissioner for Standards for investigation and report to the Standing Committee on Administration and Procedure, or whether any further action is required by the Assembly.
Members, I have become aware of matters raised in a media article, but I also am aware through an email I have received from Mr Hanson that Mr Milligan has referred matters to the Commissioner for Standards for consideration, including the matter raised in the motion that may warrant any investigation by the commissioner. Mr Hanson suggested that given the matters raised in the motion have been referred to the commissioner, it may be inappropriate for the subject to be debated by members. I committed to consider whether to bringing on this motion. I appreciate that yesterday I was of the view not to move this motion, but on further reflection I believe it is appropriate to do so.
When considering this matter I considered a referral originally to the Commissioner for Standards. However, there was a question as to whether he had the scope or the ability to look at this matter as at the time of the correspondence being sent Mr Milligan was not a member of the Assembly and the continuing resolution gives the commissioner scope to look and consider matters of conduct by members only.
As I have explained to the party whips, this is why I have made the decision to move this motion in the Assembly—that is, so all members can hear from Mr Milligan. The motion simply asks Mr Milligan to explain the matters raised in recent media articles, as outlined in the motion. This is not in any way an action to influence a process that may be underway.
As noted, I appreciate that yesterday I was the view not to move this motion, but on reflection of my original concern—that it was out of the scope of the commissioner under resolution 5AA which refers only to members—I consider the Assembly as a whole to have an interest in this and any follow-up action.
I seek leave to table correspondence referred to in the article.
Leave granted.
MS BURCH: I table the following paper:
Thank you note to constituents from James Milligan, Publisher, JM Publishing.
Debate (on motion by Mr Gentleman) adjourned to a later hour.
Economy and Gender and Economic Equality—Standing Committee
Statement by chair
MS LAWDER (Brindabella) (11.29): Pursuant to standing order 246A I wish to make a statement on behalf of the Standing Committee on Economy and Gender and
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