Independent Commissioner Against Corruption Annual Report 2014-15

Ms CHAPMAN (Bragg—Deputy Leader of the Opposition) (14:34): My question is to the Premier. Is the Premier concerned that the survey results of over 7,000 public servants reported in the ICAC annual report revealed that one in four of the respondents were reluctant to report corruption, misconduct or maladministration in their organisation, particularly as the most cited concern for not doing so was personal repercussions and their job?

The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL (Cheltenham—Premier) (14:35): Yes, that is of concern. We do not want any public servant to be fearful of making a proper report about a matter for fear of repercussion. I think that is the reason that we established the Independent Commissioner Against Corruption, it is the reason that we have strong whistleblower laws that give people protection, and it is the reason why we support strong trade unions to represent their workers in these workplaces to make sure that they have adequate protection.

We take seriously the cleanliness and integrity of our Public Service. We do want complaints to be made. There certainly is strong evidence that many public servants are availing themselves of that opportunity through the complaints that have been made already to the Office for Public Integrity, and we have fully resourced that. If any additional resources are necessary we will provide them so that any allegations of corruption or misbehaviour are properly dealt with.