As the ACT’s Integrity Commission (ACTIC) has now been operating for three years, the Integrity Commission Act 2018 ACT requires a formal review of the ACTIC legislation.
Ian Govey AM, former Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Government Solicitor, will lead the review.
“Mr Govey brings a wealth of public sector legal experience and insight to the position,” Chief Minister Andrew Barr said. “His knowledge and expertise will ensure that the ACTIC Act is thoroughly reviewed and remains fit for purpose.”
The ACT Integrity Commission is the Territory’s public sector anti-corruption agency. It forms part of a broader ACT Government integrity program designed to deter and combat corrupt conduct in public administration.
The ACTIC Act enables a careful balance between providing essential powers for the Commission to achieve its purpose whilst also meeting obligations under the Human Rights Act 2004, Mr Barr explained.
Numerous provisions in the IC Act were based on the Victorian Independent Broad-based Anti-Corruption Commission as the ACT and Victoria were the only two jurisdictions to have human rights legislation.
The review will examine a range of matters including changes proposed by the Integrity Commission in its annual reports since 2019.
Canberra Liberal leader Elizabeth Lee called last year for the Integrity Commission to have the power to intercept telecommunications, as the Integrity Commissioner, the Hon Michael Adams KC, had advocated for the last two years, in order to conduct investigations properly. Mr Adams said last year that the Australian Federal Police has material that would assist investigations, but due to current legislation, he cannot access it. Ms Lee said the ACT and Tasmania were the only jurisdictions whose integrity body did not have the legal authority to intercept telecommunications.
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Interested stakeholders will have opportunities to provide their views on relevant matters through the course of the review, Mr Barr said.
