The Select Committee on the establishment of a National Integrity Commission has released its interim report, just days after conducting public hearings in Sydney and Canberra.
The Institute made a written submission to the Committee, recommending against establishing another federal anti-corruption body – available here – and Vice President Malcolm Stewart also appeared before the Committee’s public hearing in Sydney as a witness.
The Committee’s report concludes that:
It may be premature for this interim report to make recommendations with regard to the establishment of [an] NAC [National Anti-corruption Commission].
Nevertheless, it goes on to suggest that:
The Australian Government support current and sound future research into potential anti-corruption systems appropriate for Australia.
The Institute supports the Committee’s recommendation. As our submission said:
The Institute favours strong anti-corruption institutions, mechanisms, and laws, but there is no demonstrated need for an overarching federal anti-corruption body…
