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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2002 Week 13 Hansard (19 November) . . Page.. 3731 ..

MR STANHOPE (continuing):

and, secondly, their interest in a commission against corruption. Mrs Cross, the answer to your question is no.

Mrs Cross: I have not had a conversation with Mr Kaine!

MR STANHOPE: The answer to the question is no-the government does not propose to introduce a commission against corruption.

MR SPEAKER: Mrs Cross, you cannot call on the government to announce policy in questions. Do you have a supplementary question?

MRS CROSS: I do, Mr Speaker, and I thank you for your guidance. Minister, what mechanisms are currently in place which deal with corruption in public office? Can you indicate what mechanisms currently exist to monitor the integrity of the ACT public sector?

MR STANHOPE: This is certainly a very important and serious matter. I do not wish to down-grade the seriousness or belittle the validity and intent of the question. To repeat the position, there was a standing committee inquiry into issues around the possibility of establishing a commission against corruption in the last Assembly. My understanding of that inquiry was that there was unanimous opposition, at that time, to the proposal to establish a commission against corruption here in the ACT. I think that was a soundly based position, and one which continues to be soundly based.

Despite concerns from time to time about the propriety of actions of certain individuals, I am not aware of, and have not had brought to my attention, any suggestion of what might be regarded as corrupt behaviour in the context of corruption as normally referred to commissions against corruption. I have no reason, at this juncture, to suggest that we should revisit the issue of the establishment of a commission against corruption in the ACT. In relation to the incorruptibility of public officials, including politicians, the community has a right to demand the highest standards. The community has a right to confidence in all institutions and in all public officials. As I say, I have no evidence or belief that corruption is a matter of issue in the ACT. I personally would not support the establishment of a commission against corruption.

In relation to the processes that prevail here, I have great faith in the professionalism and integrity of the Australian Federal Police as an initial bulwark against corrupt or criminal behaviour. The facility exists for each and all of us to refer matters to the Australian Federal Police.

I have enormous confidence in the ACT police force, and I have tremendous and unquestioning confidence in our chief police officer. I believe it is a police force above suspicion, and their integrity is well known and accepted. Throughout the public service, there are fraud control measures in place. I would expect them to be active and cooperative. As far as I am aware, they are essentially effective.

Of course, there are, from time to time, instances of criminal behaviour among public officials, public servants and others, but that is a feature of life. We need to be vigilant. I believe we have appropriate mechanisms in place, but these are issues in relation to which we should never be complacent.

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