Peter Bunting warns 51-day Integrity Commission report delay threatens oversight

Peter Bunting MP has raised alarm over a 51-day delay in the release of an Integrity Commission report, saying on CVM TV last night that the situation could create a troubling precedent for public accountability.

Bunting argued that reports involving junior officials are usually dealt with quickly, while matters touching powerful figures, or findings that may place the government in an uncomfortable position, appear more likely to be held up.

He said his worry is that a court claim could be used to stop a report from being tabled, leaving both Parliament and the wider public without access to information they are entitled to see.

Bunting also pointed to the role of the Attorney General, saying that when the office defends such matters, the administration can effectively be placed in the position of contesting itself, with little pressure to move the process along.

“This is a scheme to frustrate the Integrity Commission and hide what the public deserves to know,” he said.

He warned that if the law can be delayed whenever it becomes inconvenient, the country’s system of oversight is weakened.