Integrity Commissioner confirms in Estimates Hearings desire to inquire into lobbying in the ACT

The Integrity Commissioner has confirmed in Estimates Hearings today that if he had the resources he would launch an inquiry into lobbying in the ACT.

Following questions from Canberra Liberals Leader Elizabeth about procurements in the ACT and if any businesses had raised concerns about CFMEU involvement in procurement the commissioner responded:

“The question with the CFMEU raised the whole question of lobbying by organisations, both of the departments of particular public servants and of politicians. It is a problem in every jurisdiction in Australia. If I had the resources, I would have an inquiry about lobbying in the ACT. I don't have the resources at present. It’s on my wish list to undertake.”

Ms Lee said these comments from the Integrity Commissioner come on the back of Andrew Barr confirming in hearings earlier in the week that he will not launch a review of ACT CFMEU projects.

“This is despite the Integrity Commission hearing explosive evidence that the Campbell Primary School modernisation project tender was not awarded to the preferred tenderer because it was alleged not liked by the CFMEU,” Ms Lee said.

“In answers to questions in Estimates on Tuesday, Andrew Barr continued to deflect and dodge whilst other Labor leaders are stepping up and taking action.

“If the Integrity Commissioner thinks there are grounds for an investigation into lobbying of public servants and politicians in the ACT it makes Andrew Barr’s comments this week even more extraordinary.

“Andrew Barr has refused to suspend affiliation with the CFMEU and has dismissed the need for a probe into projects that have CFMEU involvement.

“This is despite the unions pushing for even more power over ACT government procurements and the appointment of senior ACT public servants.

“Who really runs the ACT? Andrew Barr or the unions?”