The Joint Standing Committee on Integrity is a current standing committee of the Tasmanian Parliament, established under the Integrity Commission Act 2009.

The Committee’s main role is to monitor and review the functions of integrity entities, as defined in the Integrity Commission Act; specifically the Tasmanian Integrity Commission, the Ombudsman and the Custodial Inspector. The Committee functions and powers are outlined in more detail the section 24 of the Integrity Commission Act 2009.

The Committee cannot investigate matters being dealt with by the Integrity Commission; review decisions of the Integrity Commission not to investigate, or to discontinue investigations into complaints; or make findings, determinations, or decisions in relation to particular inquiries, or investigations of complaints dealt with by the Integrity Commission.

 

Monitoring and Reviewing Integrity Entities

To monitor and review the integrity entities the Committee:

• Receives and considers complaints against the Integrity Commission and the Ombudsman.

• Reviews the Integrity Commission and the Ombudsman annual reports and any other reports these entities make.

• Holds twice annual meetings with the Integrity Commission and the Ombudsman.

• Reports on any matters referred to it by the House of Assembly or the Legislative Council.

• Comments on certain appointments to the Integrity Commission board as well as the appointments of the Chief Commissioner and the Parliamentary Standards Commissioner.

• Can provide guidance and advice in relation to the functions of an integrity entity under the Act.

The Committee may also refer matters to the Integrity Commission for investigation or advice.

 

Complaints

When considering complaints against the Integrity Commission and the Ombudsman, the Committee does not act as an appellate body against the decisions made. The Committee is only able to review the processes utilised by the entity in making its decision. This means complaints must relate to how the entity has handled your complaint. Examples include:

• Whether complaints are dealt with in a timely manner

• Whether the integrity entity has acted within their legislative powers

• Whether the integrity entity has followed the appropriate investigative processes

If you wish to make a complaint, please do so in writing to the Committee Secretary at:

integrity@parliament.tas.gov.au

Your complaint will then be circulated to members of the Committee for their consideration at the next meeting.