Prime Minister Scott Morrison has slammed calls for a stronger federal integrity commission to investigate corruption after launching a fiery defence of former NSW Liberal premier Gladys Berejiklian over what he called a “shameful” attack on her conduct.
In a stunning move that sets up a federal election contest on corruption, Mr Morrison made it clear he would reject pressure for major changes to a draft Commonwealth Integrity Commission and confirmed the new body would not replicate sweeping state powers.
Mr Morrison told Parliament on Thursday he would not change the government proposal to meet demands from Labor because to do so would create a “kangaroo court” like the NSW commission that is investigating the former premier.Credit:Kate Geraghty, Alex Ellinghausen
Former judges and barristers have dismissed the federal government’s draft proposal as the “weakest watchdog” compared to state commissions, while Labor wants to toughen the plan by allowing public hearings for investigations into politicians.
Mr Morrison told Parliament on Thursday he would not change the government proposal to meet demands from Labor because to do so would create a “kangaroo court” like the NSW commission that is investigating the former premier.
“Those opposite want to support the sort of show which has seen the most shameful attacks on the former premier of NSW, Gladys Berejiklian,” he said.
“What was done to Gladys Berejiklian, the people of NSW know, was an absolute disgrace.
“And I’m not going to allow that sort of a process, which seeks to publicly humiliate people on matters that have nothing to do with the issues before such as a commission, to see those powers abused and to seek to traduce the integrity of people like Gladys Berejiklian.
“The Australian people know that Gladys Berejiklian was done over by a bad process and an abuse.
“I’m not going to have a kangaroo court taken into this Parliament. These matters should be looking at criminal conduct, not who your boyfriend is.”
Ms Berejiklian quit as premier on October 1 after the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption revealed it was investigating she breached public trust or encouraged the occurrence of corrupt conduct during her secret relationship with disgraced former MP Daryl Maguire.
An exclusive survey published in The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age on Thursday showed many of the state’s voters continued to have some sympathy for Ms Berejiklian, with 54 per cent of voters saying they “still like and respect” the former premier.
On a separate question, 22 per cent strongly agreed and 21 per cent agreed with the proposition that Ms Berejiklian should not have resigned based on what had emerged from ICAC. Another 32 per cent were neutral and 25 per cent disagreed.
The Resolve Political Monitor surveyed 1606 people nationwide over six days to November 21 but the NSW findings were based on responses from 515 respondents.
More to come.
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