Resolutions

Statement of Principles for Members of Parliament

Consideration of message No. 88 from the House of Assembly.

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Employment, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation, Minister for Manufacturing and Innovation, Minister for Automotive Transformation, Minister for Science and Information Economy) (18:14): I move:

That this council—

1. Notes the resolution passed by the House of Assembly in adopting a statement of principles for members of parliament.

2. Adopts the following statement of principles for members of the Legislative Council—

(a) Members of parliament are in a unique position of being accountable to the electorate. The electorate is the final arbiter of the conduct of members of parliament and has the right to dismiss them from office at elections.

(b) Members of parliament have a responsibility to maintain the public trust placed in them by performing their duties with fairness, honesty and integrity, subject to the laws of the state and rules of the parliament, and using their influence to advance the common good of the people of South Australia.

(c) Political parties and political activities are a part of the democratic process. Participation in political parties and political activities is within the legitimate activities of members of parliament.

(d) Members of parliament should declare any conflict of interest between their private financial interests and decisions in which they participate in the execution of their duties. Members must declare their interests as required by the Members of Parliament (Register of Interests) Act 1983 and declare their interests when speaking on a matter in the house or a committee in accordance with the standing orders.

(e) A conflict of interest does not exist where the member is only affected as a member of the public or a member of a broad class.

(f) Members of parliament should not promote any matter, vote on any bill or resolution, or ask any question in the parliament or its committees, in return for any financial or pecuniary benefit.

(g) In accordance with the requirements of the Members of Parliament (Register of Interests) Act 1983, members of parliament should declare all gifts and benefits received in connection with their official duties, including contributions made to any fund for a member's benefit.

(h) Members of parliament should not accept gifts or other considerations that create a conflict of interest.

(i) Members of parliament should apply the public resources with which they are provided for the purpose of carrying out their duties.

(j) Members of parliament should not knowingly and improperly use official information, which is not in the public domain, or information obtained in confidence in the course of their parliamentary duties, for private benefit.

(k) Members of parliament should act with civility in their dealings with the public, minister and other members of parliament and the Public Service.

(l) Members of parliament should always be mindful of their responsibility to accord due respect to their right of freedom of speech with parliament and not to misuse this right, consciously avoiding undeserved harm to an individual.

And that upon election and re-election to parliament, within 14 days of taking and subscribing the oath or making and subscribing an affirmation as a member of parliament, each member must sign an acknowledgement to confirm they have read and accept the statement of principles.

When we are elected to parliament, we are given an opportunity that most people do not have in the course of their lives—to develop, debate and enact legislation that we believe will lead to better outcomes for our communities. Each of us in this chamber has sought public office because we have a vision for a better society and because we are passionate about being directly involved in advancing that vision.

I think we can all agree that the guidelines laid out in this statement of principles provide a clear idea of what it means to be a good and faithful representative of the people. We should be honest, we should be fair, and we should strive to be civil. We should be clear in our individual representations of our values and beliefs, and there is no reason for us not to demonstrate our political views in an appropriate way.

We should be clear with the people of South Australia that it is our clear intention to abide by these principles, principles which reflect the expectations the public already holds for its elected representatives, principles which I hope are already reflected in the actual behaviour of the vast majority of members.

I want to acknowledge the important work of the late Dr Bob Such in advancing the adoption of this statement of principles. This is something for which Dr Such advocated for many years. Others have expressed, quite rightly, disappointment that it was not implemented during his lifetime, and I share that disappointment. I believe that as a person who—as we all do—endeavoured to embody the behaviours and qualities laid out in this statement, Dr Such would be gratified to know that this statement of principles would ultimately be adopted by this parliament, and it is a fitting tribute to his legacy that we do so.

It was mentioned a number of times by speakers in the other place that we, as a group, on all sides of the chamber, acknowledge that politicians do not enjoy a strong reputation amongst many members of the public. I think that is a perception we would all like to try to change. Adopting this statement of principles itself will not accomplish that, but it is certainly a step in the right direction. At the very least it formally recognises the principles to which the public rightly expects us to adhere.

I commend the motion to this chamber in the hope that we can move forward together in adopting the statement of principles, and that in this debate on this statement of principles we conduct ourselves in accordance with the ideas, particularly those concerned with civility, that are laid out therein.

Debate adjourned on motion of Hon. R.I. Lucas.