The Federal Opposition has called for the early establishment of a national Integrity Commission to investigate corruption and misbehaviour in the public sector.
Leader of the Opposition, Bill Shorten has written to the Prime Minister suggesting a bipartisan taskforce be established, led jointly by the Attorney-General and the Opposition’s equivalent spokesperson.
Mr Shorten said a bipartisan process would help ensure the complex consultation and design work could be completed swiftly, and a body established as a priority.
“In recent years there has been a loss of public faith in Government and Commonwealth institutions,” Mr Shorten said.
“Public support for this reform is only increasing over time. It is time to get this done, and get it done now.”
He said setting up a National Integrity Commission would be complex and require extensive consultation and design work.
“A formal process jointly led by the Government and the Opposition would ensure that we get the details bedded down quickly and legislation introduced as a matter of priority,” the Opposition Leader said.
“By working together in the national interest I believe we can move to have a new body established prior to the next election. I believe the Australian people would welcome our cooperation on this issue.”
