Ministerial Code of Conduct

The Hon. R.A. SIMMS (15:05): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before addressing a question without notice to the Attorney-General on the topic of conflicts of interest.

Leave granted.

The Hon. R.A. SIMMS: In 2022, the Premier, the Hon. Peter Malinauskas, ordered a review of the current Ministerial Code of Conduct, which was expected to be published last year. The outgoing ICAC commissioner, the Hon. Ann Vanstone KC, has noted that two years later the review is yet to be completed. In her paper released this month, the commissioner states that, and I quote from the report:

It is essential that South Australia has a clear and effective framework for identifying and managing ministerial conflicts of interest.

My question, therefore, to the minister is: when will the public see the outcome of the review of the Ministerial Code of Conduct, and what is the Malinauskas government doing to improve transparency in managing conflict of interest amongst its ministers?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector) (15:06): I thank the honourable member for his question. I will be happy to seek an update. I think the piece of work was being led by the Department of the Premier and Cabinet. I have had a look through the report. I think it was only on Monday that I saw the report that the honourable member is referring to.

I note that in that report, if my memory serves me correctly, the former commissioner noted that her views had changed over, I think, even the time in her role about the really complex question of how you define that conflict and perceived conflict of interest. I am certain that this will provide help and guidance in formulating any changed procedures within government.