Legislative Council - Fifty-Third Parliament, First Session (53-1)
2014-05-21 Daily Xml

Contents

Legislative Council President

The Hon. S.G. WADE (14:19): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking you a question in relation to misconduct and maladministration.

Leave granted.

The Hon. S.G. WADE: In July 2011, in your capacity as minister for local government, you decided not to read the McPherson report into the Burnside council to avoid breaching a confidentiality order. At the time you were reported as saying:

Once you read the report you then have information in your head which during these interviews I could let out and which would have me in breach of the suppression orders.

Under the Independent Commissioner Against Corruption Act, the commissioner may refer a complaint of misconduct or maladministration against a member of this place to the Legislative Council. I understand that complaints would be referred to you as presiding officer in the first instance. Under the act a person must not disclose directly or indirectly information tending to suggest that a person has been the subject of a complaint and other information obtained in connection with that complaint. My questions are:

1. Are you confident that you can maintain the confidentiality required by this act?

2. What processes do you intend to put in place as President to ensure that you have fulfilled the duties of the office of President in handling complaints without breaching confidentiality obligations under the ICAC Act?

The PRESIDENT (14:20): The answer to the first question will be yes; the second one will be whatever processes are required, but I can assure you, the Hon. Mr Wade, that this office will be dealt with with the utmost integrity.