Page 3224 - Week 10 - Thursday, 25 August 2005
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It is quite daunting to read such a statement out in a place like this. It can be reasonably drawn from this, I think, that the standing of the respective legislatures is negatively affected by the standing of politicians. The adoption of this code is about this Assembly’s demonstrating its willingness to put in place performance measures aimed at improving the standing of this legislature as the central part of the territory’s parliamentary democracy. The institution of parliament is a cornerstone of our democratic principles and values, which will be improved with the adoption of a code of conduct for members. The onus falls on us, as parliamentarians, to show our commitment to the institution and to the people by our adherence to the code. The code I propose today is that contained as appendix D in last year’s report. It covers the following areas.
The preamble, where members acknowledge their diversity of background and personal beliefs and that of Australian society and undertake to maintain their loyalty to the commonwealth of Australia and the people of the Australian Capital Territory. There is also a commitment to agree to respect and uphold the law, not discredit the institution of parliament, and maintain commitment to the public good through their personal honesty and integrity in all their dealings.
Duties as members of the Assembly: whilst we do not routinely see a duty statement for members before we seek office, it is important to set out the altruistic principles which should guide us in our work so that our electors can judge us. These include high standards of personal behaviour, not bringing the institution into disrepute, and acting honestly in all our dealings to maintain the trust placed in us.
Conflict of interest, or a perception of conflict of interest, is an area that causes a lot of controversy in the community and leads to poor perceptions of politicians. We will have seen in our lifetime, or even in the period of our lives as politicians, many controversial issues that have grabbed the headlines in the newspapers and the various media outlets about the private and public antics of politicians, which, in turn, as I said earlier, bring the institution into disrepute. This code reminds us of our obligations to use the influence conferred on us in the public’s interest and not for personal gain. There are of course also requirements placed on us by the Australian Capital Territory (Self-Government) Act 1988 and Standing Order 156.
Disclosure of pecuniary interests is another area where we politicians need to earn the trust of the community. We are required to complete the statement of registrable interests. The adoption of this code will demonstrate our commitment to transparency and accountability. Receipt of any gifts, payments, fees or rewards is also a requirement covered under the statement of registrable interests.
Advocacy and bribery: this area relates to the requirement of the Australian Capital Territory (Self-Government) Act 1988 that the only remuneration, benefit or profit that members can receive for their Assembly work is that determined by the Remuneration Tribunal.
Use of confidential information: we are required to safeguard confidential material we gain access to as part of our duties as members. Access to information not available to ordinary members of the community is a privilege of office and we need to understand
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