Tas. watchdog cries poor
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Tasmania’s Integrity Commission says it is under-funded, under-staffed, and overdue for reform.
Tasmania’s Integrity Commission has presented its 2023-24 Annual Report to Parliament, identifying persistent funding and legislative challenges that hinder its operations.
The report provides an overview of the Commission's complaints management, assessments, and investigations conducted throughout the year.
Chief Commissioner Greg Melick acknowledged the staff's achievements amid significant constraints, saying; “We are the most under-funded integrity body in the country. We have also been waiting for legislative amendments to improve our efficacy for nearly 10 years”.
Melick's remarks reflect ongoing concerns about inadequate resourcing, which, according to the report, compromises the Commission’s ability to meet statutory obligations and community expectations.
The report (PDF) highlights various initiatives despite these limitations.
The Integrity Commission has strengthened its education and compliance efforts, introducing a new Oversight and Compliance program and progressing a lobbying reform project.
The new Code of Conduct and contact disclosure requirements for lobbyists are scheduled to take effect on 1 January 2025, marking a significant step toward transparency in lobbying activities.
In addition, the re-launch of the ‘Investigating Misconduct’ training course reportedly proved successful, with full attendance in Hobart and Launceston.
A targeted education program was also provided to Members of Parliament following the election of 13 new representatives in March 2024.
This training aims to enhance ethical conduct among MPs by addressing the specific challenges they encounter.
The Operations Unit faced increased workload due to a surge in notifications following the Commission of Inquiry into the Tasmanian Government’s responses to child sexual abuse in institutional settings.
It received 180 complaints, completed 27 assessments, initiated eight new investigations, and continued four ongoing investigations from the previous year.
The report notes that a major investigation and an Integrity Tribunal were delayed by legal proceedings.
Melick emphasised that the Commission’s funding remains insufficient despite a marginal increase in the 2024-25 Budget.
“If we are to fulfil our statutory obligations and meet community expectations, our resourcing needs cannot be neglected,” he said.
The report also revealed that the Commission has been without a CEO since April 2024 and lacks in-house legal counsel - a vacancy that has persisted for eight years.
“We are not deaf to the growing public sentiment that the Commission is not fit-for-purpose,” Melick said.
The report also calls on Parliament to expedite legislative amendments to the Integrity Commission Act 2009 (Tas), a demand that has been pending for nearly a decade.