Labor has unveiled an integrity reform package featuring spending caps on political campaigns and the complete dismantling of the Tasmanian Integrity Commission, as it seeks crossbench backing to form government.
The six-point plan, presented to MPs, targets what the party calls deep-seated problems with political transparency after 11 years of Liberal rule.
Labor MP Ella Haddad said the reforms were essential to rebuild public trust following Tasmanians voting for yet another hung parliament.
“Trust in Tasmanian politics is at an all-time low and it’s incumbent on all of us as elected members to reverse that,” Haddad said.
The centrepiece proposal would scrap the Integrity Commission entirely, replacing it with a new Anti-Corruption Commission with broader powers, a wider reach and more funding.
Haddad said the new body would be tasked with detecting, investigating and reporting corruption, while also focusing on prevention and education.
The plan would also introduce expenditure caps for parties, candidates and third-party campaigners during elections.
Right to Information laws would be strengthened by implementing recommendations from an ongoing review.
Labor also wants to split the Ombudsman’s multiple roles into separate statutory offices, arguing the current set-up stretches resources and risks conflicts of interest.
That change could see distinct roles created for an Ombudsman, Health Complaints Commissioner, Custodial Inspector and National Preventive Mechanism.
Independent watchdogs such as the Environmental Protection Authority would be bolstered and the Public Service Commissioner role – merged with the Secretary of the Department of Premier and Cabinet since 2009 – would be restored as a separate position.
Labor needs the support of the crossbench and the Greens to form government and pass a no-confidence motion in the Liberal government when parliament returns on August 19.
