CONCERNS about lengthy delays and “controversial” public hearings in investigations by the Independent Commission Against Corruption were raised in two NSW parliamentary inquiries into the watchdog, according to former member for Monaro Nichole Overall. Overall, who was elected in February last year and appointed to five parliamentary committees, including the ICAC Committee, says she believes the recommendations that emerged from the inquiries needed to go further.
“These issues were looked into but in the wake of the ICAC report relating to former Premier Berejiklian, it seems the public feel they’re not being adequately addressed,” Mrs Overall said.
“Given the National Anti-Corruption Commission has just commenced, it’s critical there’s confidence in these bodies and the outcomes they produce.
“It is important we’re now seeing bipartisan support for reform of the ICAC Act. This will be the only way to achieve truly effective change.”
The former MP’s comments come in the wake of the release of the ICAC report after a two-and-a-half year investigation into Gladys Berejiklian and her undisclosed relationship with former member for Wagga Wagga, Daryl Maguire.
“Whether the ICAC should be made hand down their findings within a specific timeframe rather than the open-ended model we now deal with was proposed,” Mrs Overall said.
“Instead, last year’s review of the 1988 Act governing the ICAC essentially determined that the body set its own ‘time standards’ for delivery of its findings and to report against itself on its performance on this.”
“While I was personally of the view this could be seen as ineffective, submissions made during public hearings by various legal bodies and individuals certainly argued against legislated timeframes.”
Mrs Overall said levels of public disclosure and increased funding were also questioned.
“How much information should be presented publicly and the potential negative impacts, including reputational damage – as we saw with the highly intimate conversations of former Premier Berejiklian – was debated,” she said.
“I also questioned the push for increased funding to get the job done more quickly and what would happen if more money didn’t produce improved outcomes
“My view is that more is absolutely needed to get this really important stuff right. I’ll be watching with interest to see if things are stepped up or if the status quo continues.”
Who can be trusted?
In a world of spin and confusion, there’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in Canberra.
If you trust our work online and want to enforce the power of independent voices, I invite you to make a small contribution.
Every dollar of support is invested back into our journalism to help keep citynews.com.au strong and free.
Thank you,
Ian Meikle, editor
Leave a Reply