The following is a statement from the Chief Commissioner of the Integrity Commission, Greg Melick AO SC:
Ahead of the opening of the new session of Parliament, the Integrity Commission is taking the opportunity to remind Members of Parliament about the Commission’s obligation to maintain the confidentiality of its investigations, and the importance of not speculating about the identity of individuals or organisations who may be involved in our matters.
Chief Commissioner Greg Melick AO SC said discretion and ensuring people were not subjected to untested allegations being discussed in the public arena, were a key part of the Commission’s approach.
“Parliament has bestowed significant powers on the Tasmanian Integrity Commission,” Chief Commissioner Melick said.
“We bear those powers with the responsibility they deserve and that means not airing allegations until a proper assessment and investigation has been conducted. We have been very clear that we do not confirm or deny which organisations or individuals are the subject of current investigations.
“Nor should others speculate whether the Commission is undertaking an investigation into a particular person or entity.
“This approach protects the integrity of our investigations by affording fairness to the subjects of those investigations – who by definition have not been found to have committed any act of misconduct – and allowing our people do their jobs without unnecessary public influence or pressure.”
In many cases the reason for ensuring confidentiality is not only to avoid undue damage to a person’s reputation but also to ensure evidence is properly gathered and preserved.
Confidentiality notices are issued under the Integrity Commission Act 2009 to people who are the subject of an investigation, and also to heads of relevant agencies and other responsible public officers. People subject to such notices are unable to comment on or answer questions about investigations. Breaching a notice could result in fines of up to 2,000 penalty units, which currently amounts to $390,000.
Ends.
Media release by Greg Melick AO SC Chief Commissioner