A PARLIAMENTARY inquiry reviewing the Integrity Commission has rejected a push to strip the watchdog of its investigative powers. The government has proposed scrapping the corruption body’s investigative arm, arguing the commission has proven inefficient and ineffective. Attorney-General Vanessa Goodwin said the commission should refer all future complaints onto other oversight authorities and concentrate instead on educating public servants about preventing misconduct. The government's suggestion drew scorn from the head of the Integrity Commission, who insisted the change would plunge Tasmania back into ''the bad old days''. A committee report released this morning rejected the government's proposal. ''The committee can indicate that it will be seeking to make recommendations that will improve the operation of the existing model which includes both educative and investigate functions,'' the report said. All committee members apart from Liberal MHA Guy Barnett endorsed retaining the watchdog's investigative powers. MORE IN THE EXAMINER TOMORROW
A PARLIAMENTARY inquiry reviewing the Integrity Commission has rejected a push to strip the watchdog of its investigative powers.
The government has proposed scrapping the corruption body’s investigative arm, arguing the commission has proven inefficient and ineffective.
Attorney-General Vanessa Goodwin said the commission should refer all future complaints onto other oversight authorities and concentrate instead on educating public servants about preventing misconduct.
The government's suggestion drew scorn from the head of the Integrity Commission, who insisted the change would plunge Tasmania back into ''the bad old days''.
A committee report released this morning rejected the government's proposal.
''The committee can indicate that it will be seeking to make recommendations that will improve the operation of the existing model which includes both educative and investigate functions,'' the report said.
All committee members apart from Liberal MHA Guy Barnett endorsed retaining the watchdog's investigative powers.
