The Government has been developing the Terms of Reference and exploring options to appoint a reviewer to undertake the proposed independent review of the Integrity Commission agreed to as part of the 'Confidence and Stability Agreement' with the then members of the Jacquie Lambie Network on 10 April 2024.
As part of this process, the Government sought and has received advice regarding the proposed review.
The Integrity Commission Act 2009 provides that it is the function of the Joint Standing Committee on Integrity, to monitor and review the performance and functions of an integrity entity (including the Integrity Commission).
It is a further function of the Committee to report to both Houses of Parliament on matters relevant to the performance of an integrity entity's functions or the exercise of their powers as the Joint Committee considers appropriate.
It is the Government's view that the appointment of an independent reviewer to conduct a review of the Integrity Commission may be in conflict with that function.
Furthermore, should an independent reviewer be appointed, there are issues with furnishing any reviewer with access to information for the purposes of undertaking a review.
The Government has written to the Joint Standing Committee on Integrity, JLN member for Lyons, the Independent member for Bass, and Independent member for Braddon to advise that the proposed independent review of the Integrity Commission is unable to proceed.
