Legislative Council - Fifty-Fifth Parliament, First Session (55-1)
2022-11-29 Daily Xml

Contents

Independent Commission Against Corruption Investigation

The Hon. L.A. CURRAN (15:25): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking a question of the Attorney-General regarding ICAC.

Leave granted.

The Hon. L.A. CURRAN: In her statement on 10 November 2022, in response to John Hanlon's case, the Hon. Ann Vanstone KC, the ICAC commissioner, said that she would be undertaking a review of the investigation and of the conduct of those involved in it. She said she would give the report to ICAC's reviewer, the Hon. John Sulan KC, and discuss it with him. She said if it is appropriate to report publicly on what she finds then she shall. My questions to the minister are:

1. Does the minister believe an internal review of the conduct surrounding John Hanlon's case is appropriate?

2. Do you believe ICAC has a conflict of interest, perceived or otherwise, in reviewing their conduct?

3. Do you believe it is in the public interest for any such reports to be released?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector) (15:26): I thank the honourable member for her question. As I have said before, I have received some initial advice, after raising questions. We are looking at what other advice we may need. I am not going to publicly canvass what ICAC may or may not be doing. There are significant restrictions on doing that even if I wanted to in any event but, as I have said in this chamber before, we are currently considering what other action may be taken.