The NSW Parliament has passed a bill aimed at providing greater transparency in the funding of key integrity agencies, including the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC). While the bill introduces welcome measures for transparency and reporting, it fails to deliver on Labor's election commitment to secure independent funding for ICAC.
Kobi Shetty MP and Greens spokesperson on anti-corruption and ICAC, says:
"This bill was an opportunity to deliver long-term, independent funding for ICAC - a measure Labor promised to deliver during their election campaign.
"The government had a chance to break the cycle of political interference in the funding of integrity bodies. Instead, they've chosen to maintain a system that leaves the ICAC vulnerable to funding decisions based on political priorities, not public interest.
"While the transparency measures introduced today are welcome, it doesn't solve the fundamental problem of funding independence. The NSW ICAC is one of the most effective corruption fighting organisations in the world. But it can't do its job properly with one hand tied behind it's back.
"Independent funding for the ICAC is essential to ensure that no government can starve our integrity watchdog of the resources it needs. The Greens will continue to push for a truly independent funding model that gives the ICAC the freedom to hold governments to account."
