Federal Member for Fairfax

Media release

Senator for Western Australia Zhenya ‘Dio’ Wang has invited people to have their say on the need for an independent federal anti-corruption agency as part of a long-overdue Parliamentary inquiry established last week despite the Government voting against it.

The inquiry, by the Select Committee relating to the establishment of a National Integrity Commission, was endorsed by the Senate after the Greens and Labor cast their votes in support of Senator Wang.

The committee, chaired by Senator Wang and comprising crossbench, government and opposition members, met for the first time this week and is accepting written submissions until April 20.

“Finally, we have will have the opportunity to investigate the need for an independent federal anti-corruption agency – as was recommended by two Parliamentary committees some five years ago,” said Senator Wang.

“While the Government might not see the need for a national anti-corruption agency – with the power to scrutinise everyone from blue and white-collar workers and employers right up to politicians and party donors, and through to organisations from banks to bureaucracies to political parties – I believe the majority of Australians do.

“A proper investigation by the Parliament into the merits of an independent federal corruption watchdog is long-overdue and in keeping with the proper work of this chamber – which is not to simply operate as a rubber stamp for the Lower House.”

The inquiry will investigate the adequacy of the Australian Government’s legislative, institutional and policy framework in addressing all facets of institutional, organisational, political and individual corruption, and whether a National Integrity Commission should be established.

People and organisations can now make written submissions to the inquiry online via
www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate/Establishment_of_a_National_Integrity_Commission/NIC

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