The outgoing chief of Tasmania’s public sector watchdog has responded to criticisms about the authority’s efficacy.
In a farewell statement, Chief Commissioner of the Integrity Commission of Tasmania Greg Melick called the comments “ill-informed”. He added that the criticism reflected “an ignorance of the facts, and a disregard for the effect of those comments on our staff”.
Among those to lob a grenade the commission’s way over recent weeks was former Labor leader Dean Winter who called for stronger public sector oversight. “I think we have got to bring confidence back and integrity back to politics,” Mr Winter said.
His comments came as the Liberals regained government and a proposal to provide the public with more information about lobbyists’ activities with MPs, advisers and agency heads was suddenly ditched by the commission with no apparent reason given.
Further criticisms of the statutory body came during the election campaign when Labor pledged to dismantle the watchdog completely, citing deep-seated problems with political transparency. “Trust in Tasmanian politics is at an all-time low and it’s incumbent on all of us as elected members to reverse that,” Labor MP Ella Haddad said.
If there was a time and a need to fix the flawed Tasmanian integrity commission, it is now.
The Australian Institute Tasmania also joined the pile-on, accusing the watchdog of being toothless and lacking transparency. “The commission has never held a public hearing in its 14 years of operation, despite having the power to do so – leading to significant transparency and public trust issues,” said the public policy think tank. “At least two unresolved investigations into ministers remain outstanding. If ever there was a time and a need to fix the flawed Tasmanian integrity commission, it is now.”
Hitting back, Mr Melick said it was “misconceived” to say that the commission had failed to fulfil its role. “There are delays that are outside of our control that affect the progress of investigations. Discretion and ensuring people are not subjected to untested allegations being canvassed in the public arena are a cornerstone of the Integrity Commission’s approach.”
The criticisms also failed to acknowledge the watchdog’s educative function, Melick added, which is “aimed at building a pro-integrity culture across the Tasmanian public sector that can withstand misconduct.”
In conclusion, Mr Melick said he was proud of the commission’s “exemplary achievements, and I look forward to it continuing to flourish in an environment characterised by public trust and the informed commentary of our political leaders”.
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