Today legislation to establish an Independent Parliamentary Standards Commission has finally passed the Senate, and will now commence on 1 October 2024.
Recommendation 22 of the Set the Standards report was that an Independent Parliamentary Standards Commission (IPSC) to enforce codes of conduct should be established within 12 months. While years overdue, the establishment of this body is welcomed by the Greens.
As stated by Greens leader in the Senate and spokesperson on Women, Larissa Waters
"This has been such a long time coming, but I am pleased we will now see the establishment of the Independent Parliamentary Standards Commission to enforce codes of conduct endorsed by both houses of parliament - and finally have some consequences for misbehaving politicians, who have been immune until now.
"Throughout this lengthy process, the Greens pushed for stronger sanctions including higher fines for MPs and consequences for Ministers, and for more transparency over politicians sanctioning themselves.
"It is disappointing the Greens' amendments did not pass to give the IPSC power to suggest sanctions, and if Privileges depart from that suggestion, table an explanation as to why. That guidance and transparency was needed to give the public confidence that politicians won't just close ranks and protect their own. Only time will now tell.
"I deeply thank the brave staff who spoke out against the appalling and horrific misconduct that has occurred in parliament, for pushing as hard as you have to get us here, including Brittany Higgins, Dhanya Mani, Chelsey Potter, Rachelle Miller, Tessa Sullivan and Josie Coles.
"The Greens support the review of this framework at the start of each parliament to track how well the IPSC is working to clean up this place, with genuine consultation with staff. Because this should not be a set and forget.
"Australians need to trust that their elected officials will be held responsible if they misbehave, and a strong and transparent process is needed for that confidence.
"It's now up to parliamentarians to start setting the standard and not continue to be a national shame."
