The Australia Institute and National Integrity Committee has welcomed Independent MP Helen Haines’ Beechworth Principles as a positive step towards the legislation of a proper Federal Anti-Corruption watchdog with teeth.

“After joining the crossbench’s strong call for a federal anti-corruption watchdog, it is encouraging to see Helen Haines backing those sentiments with action with the formulation of the Beechworth Principles,” said The Hon Margaret White AO, former Judge of the Queensland Supreme Court and Court of Appeal, and member of the National Integrity Committee.

“We are pleased that the Beechworth Principles note in particular, for the need for such a body to include a broad jurisdiction, strong investigative powers and the ability to hold fair public hearings.

“Australia Institute research shows four in five Australians (80%) support a Federal Integrity Commission and 76% agree it should have the ability to hold public hearings.”

Former Supreme Court of Victoria Justice and member of the National Integrity Committee, The Hon David Harper AM QC, also congratulated Helen Haines on the development of the Beechworth Principles.

“The Principles form an excellent basis for all the hard work that will be necessary before a truly effective Federal Anti-Corruption Watchdog is established,” said The Hon David Harper AM QC, former Judge of the Victorian Supreme Court and member of the National Integrity Committee.

“A Federal Anti-Corruption Watchdog must be properly funded and resourced, and have the ability to hold public hearings to be effective in exposing public sector corruption,” Mr Harper said.

National Integrity Committee member, The Hon David Harper AM QC spoke at today’s launch of the Beechworth Principles at Beechworth Court House.

The National Integrity Committee have designed a blueprint of design principles to be used to advise policymakers on the best model for a federal anti-corruption watchdog and can be found here.