Larissa Waters (Queensland, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to amend general business notice of motion No. 408, relating to a Commonwealth integrity commission.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted. I understand it has been circulated, Senator Waters?

Larissa Waters (Queensland, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Yes, it has been circulated in the chamber. I move the motion as amended:

  (1) That the Senate notes that:

  (a) the Senate passed the Australian Greens' National Integrity Commission Bill 2018 (No. 2) on 9 September 2019 to establish a federal corruption watchdog with broad remit to investigate allegations of corruption and misconduct, and to ensure strong, independent oversight of the actions of parliamentarians; and

  (b) public consultation on the Commonwealth Integrity Commission model proposed by the Government ended more than one year ago, but the Government has yet to introduce legislation to establish an integrity commission,

  (2) That the Senate calls on the Federal Government to bring on the Australian Greens' National Integrity Commission Bill 2018 (No. 2) in the House of Representatives for a vote in the February 2020 sittings.

  (3) That this resolution be sent to the House of Representatives for concurrence.

Jonathon Duniam (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Forestry and Fisheries) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

Jonathon Duniam (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Forestry and Fisheries) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The government is committed to introducing a Commonwealth integrity commission that is well designed and avoids the significant issues of the Greens bill, including overlap with existing integrity agencies and the potential to use serious coercive powers to investigate minor disciplinary matters and publicly funded journalists. The government will soon release an exposure draft of legislation to establish the CIC for public consultation.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The question is that motion no. 408, as amended, be agreed to.