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I know there's a lot happening right now, but I don't want this to get missed. These comments from @cporterwa about the Government's consultation on its fundamentally flawed Integrity Commission Bill are deeply concerning. 
https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/politics/law-closing-in-on-judges-over-conduct/news-story/03da557274f17a3848bf0bc2fb8bf084
https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/politics/law-closing-in-on-judges-over-conduct/news-story/03da557274f17a3848bf0bc2fb8bf084
After running a second public consultation on the Bill over many months, the Attorney-General today said:
“It is very unlikely that the core principles that we took to a full election, totally transparently, in great detail, would be substantially changed in this process."
“It is very unlikely that the core principles that we took to a full election, totally transparently, in great detail, would be substantially changed in this process."
I think the scores of legal experts, former judges and everyday Australians who have rightly criticised the Government's Bill for its many and substantial flaws would be greatly disappointed to discover the Government was never actually listening to these good faith critiques.
And let's be clear: the Government did not take its Bill "in great detail" to an election. They took a 13-page concept note that was open for consultation and which received overwhelming criticism. They ignored that criticism once and it seems they are about to ignore it again.
When the Government releases its final Bill, I'll be laser-focused on whether it lives up to the basic principles of an Integrity Commission worth its name. Australians will not accept a limp lettuce Integrity Commission.
My Australian Federal Integrity Commission (AFIC) Bill is based on the robust Beechworth Principles, and has widespread support. The AFIC Bill is before Parliament - and if it wanted to, the Government could pass it on Monday. https://www.helenhaines.org/bills/integrity
The consultation ends today, if you want to let the Government know what you think of their Bill, see the link below and send in your feedback to [email protected] by 5pm. https://www.ag.gov.au/integrity/consultations/commonwealth-integrity-commission-consultation-draft
