Parliamentary Code of Conduct

Ms BEDFORD (Florey) (15:18): My question is to the Attorney-General. Can the Attorney update the house on the progress of the formation and implementation of a parliamentary code of conduct and confirm whether the code will need to be enshrined in legislation?

The Hon. V.A. CHAPMAN (Bragg—Deputy Premier, Attorney-General, Minister for Planning and Local Government) (15:18): As the member and you, Mr Speaker, would well know, this is a matter or the subject of consideration by a joint parliamentary committee to determine on the question of the future of a parliamentary code of conduct, amongst other things. My understanding is that, for example, the Deputy Leader of the Opposition is on that committee. I can't recall all of them, but I know you, Mr Speaker, and the President of the Legislative Council are on it. I think the Hon. Mr Lucas and the member for King are also on it.

But, in any event, it's a joint parliamentary committee. There are representatives from both sides of the political party spectrum and Independents. So that work is progressing. As best as I understand it, they are giving consideration to a code of conduct for us as a parliament to ultimately consider and, therefore, it's not a matter for the Attorney-General to make a decision on. I have made it very clear in this house before that this is a matter for the parliament, not for the government.

There have been a number of other recommendations come from the reviews that have been undertaken in relation to conduct in the parliament, and they have been acted upon by the government. There is yet to be one area of legislative reform, which is on its way through to the parliament, which I am aware of, but otherwise that has been undertaken. But there are a number of subject matters that have been under consideration by this parliamentary committee and we look forward to receiving their report. I think, sir, you also chair that committee. I don't think I can help the parliament anymore. We will await the consideration of the report.