Integrity and accountability in politics have been hot topics this week with a number of media outlets picking up on my call for a binding Code of Conduct to be introduced for federal Parliamentarians as matter of urgency.
 
In context, I was shocked to learn that while there is a Ministerial Code of Conduct, there is no equivalent Code in place for Parliamentarians in general. To me, this just didn’t make sense particularly when I considered that there has been no workplace in my entire career that has been without a standard Code of Conduct, clearly outlining the governing principles expected of all employees to hold them to account, from the most junior staff member right through to the CEO.

Surely the people we elect to represent us in Canberra then should have that same basic operating principle: a set of easily articulated, common principles on which they can base their day to day behaviour and are used to inspire the highest of standards within these offices.
 
Specifically my comments focused on the potential role of a Federal Anti-Corruption Commission as a potential “monitor” of behaviour as again for me, I believe such a commission can play as an important role in not only holding parliamentarians to account but importantly fostering integrity. 
 
Currently, there is a Code of Conduct for the staff of Parliament House, but it does not include MPs and I believe this needs to be addressed.  Why should an MP not be held to account in the same way as a staff member in the Parliamentary Giftshop or in the security team?
 
I am advocating there could be a range of outcomes to sanction someone in breach of the Code of Conduct, and in this context, it is worth considering that in the most severe breaches of the Code, there could be the possibility that a parliamentarian could be dismissed.  It’s important to note though that the mechanism by which an outcome this extreme would occur would require significant consultation and review and could only be reasonably carried out via a decision made within Parliament itself.
 
Pleasingly, the role and place for a Code of Conduct for Parliamentarians was indeed something that came up during discussions between myself and others on the crossbench when we met with the Attorney-General, the Hon Mark Dreyfus QC MP to discuss the design of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC). 

While these were only initial discussions about the design principles for the NACC, it was encouraging to know North Sydney is able to play a role in the development of the NACC with integrity a key election issue. I look forward to continuing to pursue this on behalf of our community.

Until next time.