Resolutions

Statement of Principles for Members of Parliament

Consideration of Message No. 88 from the House of Assembly, in response to which the Hon. K.J. Maher moved:

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.

(Continued from 17 May 2016.)

The Hon. J.A. DARLEY (16:28): I rise to speak very briefly to this motion which, as we know, has a long history insofar as it was first recommended by a select committee back in 2004 and championed for another 10 years after that by the late Hon. Bob Such. I am sure we would all agree that, despite whether or not we think it is a necessary motion, he would be delighted to know that it is finally being dealt with by both houses of parliament.

Both the Hon. Rob Lucas and the Hon. Mark Parnell have already made the point that many of the elements addressed by the statement of principles for members of parliament are already covered either through existing standing orders or legislation. Those that are not covered are a matter of sheer common sense and courtesy. I do not intend to dwell on whether or not the motion is necessary. I will say that, like the Hon. Bob Such, I too believe that as politicians we should all hold ourselves to the highest possible standard. We have a responsibility to represent the interests of our constituents fiercely and never take for granted the trust and confidence that has been bestowed upon us by the community.

I think that is really the gist of the motion. My mother always used to say that if you have nothing nice to say about a person, then you should say nothing at all. I will be the first to admit that motto is often hard to live by, but one that we should all strive to follow. The same can be said for the statement of principles. It serves as a reflection of the responsibilities we all have as members of parliament, and even if the statement does, as some members have indicated, state the bleeding obvious, it is one we should all observe.

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) (16:29): I will not speak for very long. I would just like to thank all honourable members for their contribution to this motion and look forward to the passing of this motion.

Motion carried.