27 August 2024
The State Government should follow Canberra’s lead and establish an Independent Parliamentary Standards Commission with the power to apply penalties for MPs that breach the Code of Conduct, say the SA Greens.
The South Australian Parliament established a Code of Conduct back in 2021. At that time, a move by the Greens to impose fines or suspensions for contraventions of the code was opposed by all other parties. Last week the Federal Government introduced a bill to establish an Independent Parliamentary Standards Commission with the power to investigate allegations of misconduct against MPs and impose penalties, including suspensions and fines.
Greens MLC Robert Simms quizzed the Attorney-General Kyam Maher about the SA Government’s position in question time today. The Attorney-General replied that he will consider the new laws introduced by the federal government.
“There is a real risk that the SA Parliament’s Code of Conduct is just a toothless tiger,” said Mr Simms.
“The Malinuaskas Government needs to follow the federal Government’s example and establish a Parliamentary Standards Commission that has the power to take MPs to task for doing the wrong thing. It’s vital for the integrity of our Parliament and the community’s faith in our democratic institutions that there are consequences for MPs who fail to meet the standards of behaviour that the people we serve deserve and expect.”
“Given the Parliament makes the laws that govern our workplaces, it should demonstrate best practice when it comes to managing complaints. This Commission would be an independent body that operates without political interference.”
“The Greens welcome the Attorney-General indicating the Government will at least look at the model being imposed in Canberra. We will continue to pressure the Government to take action on this issue.”