The Government has today tabled amendments to further strengthen the National Anti-Corruption Commission Bill.
These amendments follow careful consideration of recommendations made by the reports of the Joint Select Committee on the National Anti-Corruption Commission and the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights.
These amendments will:
- broaden safeguards for the protection of journalists in relation to search warrants and extend protections for their sources;
- improve safeguards for the wellbeing of persons who may require assistance to comply with the summons or notice to produce and expressly permit people to disclose information to a medical professional;
- require the Commissioner to advise a person whose conduct has been investigated of the outcome of the investigation;
- amend the definition of corrupt conduct and clarify that the Commissioner may deal with a corruption issue on their own initiative;
- require surveillance and interception warrants to be issued by eligible judges of federal superior courts;
- enhance the power of the National Anti-Corruption Commission Inspector regarding witness summons and arrest warrants;
- narrow the grounds for bringing contempt proceedings; and
- amending the requirement that all evidence which discloses legal advice be given in private.
I have welcomed the constructive engagement from stakeholders and parliamentarians.
The Government now looks forward to the entire Parliament coming together to pass legislation this year to establish a powerful, transparent and independent National Anti-Corruption Commission.
/Public Release. This material from the originating organization/author(s) might be of the point-in-time nature, and edited for clarity, style and length. Mirage.News does not take institutional positions or sides, and all views, positions, and conclusions expressed herein are solely those of the author(s).View in full here.
