QUEENSLANDERS TO HAVE THEIR SAY ON INTEGRITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY

Premier and Minister for the Arts
The Honourable Anna Bligh
06/08/2009
QUEENSLANDERS TO HAVE THEIR SAY ON INTEGRITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY

Premier Anna Bligh today released a discussion paper and called on Queenslanders to have their say on the issues of accountability and transparency in the political process.

The release of Integrity and Accountability in Queensland follows a number of reforms announced recently by the Premier, including a ban on all Labor Members of Parliament attending political fundraisers where businesses pay for access and a ban on lobbyists serving on Government appointed boards, or in other significant appointments paid by the Queensland Government.

"Accountability and transparency in public administration is at the heart of robust democracy," Ms Bligh told Parliament today.

"As Premier, I believe government has a duty to continually reform and adjust to the evolving expectations of the people they represent.

"This discussion paper provides an opportunity for Queenslanders to help shape our state's future.

"It provides an overview of the broad ran ge of checks and balances currently in place and asks Queenslanders for their views on what they think should be done to make our state's political landscape more transparent, open and accountable.

"I want to hear what the people of Queensland have to say on these issues," she said.

Key issues raised in the Paper include:

* legislating conflict of interest disclosures;
* banning how-to-vote cards;
* capping or banning political donations and increasing public funding of political parties as a result;
* capping election campaign expenditure including political advertising;
* expanding the CMC's powers to investigate non-commercial Government-owned corporations;
* boosting legislative protection for whistleblowers.

Ms Bligh announced a round table of experts to consider the feedback received and assist government in developing its response.

The roundtable will be chaired by the Premier and includes:

* Attorney-General Cameron Dick
* Queensland's Integrity Commissioner Dr David Solomon
* Chairperson of the CMC Mr Robert Needham
* Professor Charles Sampford from the Queensland University of Technology Law and Justice Research Centre
* Dr Anne Tiernan from the Griffith University Centre for Governance and Public Policy
* Former Commissioner with the Independent Commission Against Corruption and former New South Wales Ombudsman Irene Moss
* Dean of the Australian and New Zealand School of Government Professor Allan Fels, and
* Former Queensland Electoral Commissioner Bob Longland.

Written submissions close on 16 September and can be provided via email, post or fax. Visit http://www.getinvolved.qld.gov.au/consultqld/index.cfm?go=consultonline.viewIssue&activityID=230 for more information or call 13 13 04.

Ms Bligh also announced today that after delivering new legislation to provide all Members of Parliament access to the Integrity Commissioner for the first time - every member of her team would meet annually with Dr David Solomon.

"I met with the Integrity Commissioner Dr David Solomon last week and I put to him a proposal that all members of my caucus be required to meet with him personally every year to go over their pecuniary interest form as an added check and balance," Ms Bligh said.

"Dr Solomon agreed that this would be an appropriate measure and advised me that he would be happy to make himself available to any member of Parliament who sought such assistance.

"I challenge the Leader of the Opposition - yet again - to follow my lead."

Permanent Link: QUEENSLANDERS TO HAVE THEIR SAY ON INTEGRITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY
Publish Date: 07 Aug 09