The WA Salaries and Allowances Tribunal (SAT) has released its report on allowances and entitlements paid to Members of Parliament.
Premier, Mark McGowan ordered the review in 2018 over concerns that some aspects of the system were not operating effectively.
The review was then broadened after the Corruption and Crime Commission uncovered serious abuse of entitlements by a former MP.
The SAT has proposed numerous measures to improve accountability, including new principles by which Members must abide, and a system to report Members’ use of allowances.
Chair of SAT, Margaret Seares said the review revealed that Western Australia had fewer accountability mechanisms compared to other Australian jurisdictions.
“Arrangements in the State are now out of step with contemporary standards,” Professor Seares said.
“In recent years, abuse of allowances by a very small number of people has somewhat eroded public confidence in elected members from all levels of Government, the vast majority of whom do the right thing in terms of use of public moneys.”
Mr McGowan said the Government acknowledged in 2018 that the Parliamentary travel allowance was not operating effectively, which paved the way for the SAT to begin its review.
“We accept the SAT’s recommendations and look forward to implementing these changes to improve transparency and accountability, and to help regain the trust of the people of WA,” the Premier said.
The Tribunal’s 35-page report can be accessed at this PS News link.
