The Australia Institute’s National Integrity Committee of retired judges and corruption fighters today welcomed Dr Kerryn Phelps announcement of her support for a National Integrity Commission.

The National Integrity Committee published a design blueprint for a National Integrity Commission, which includes a broad jurisdiction and strong investigative powers, including public hearings.

Former Victorian Court of Appeal judge and adviser on IBAC design Stephen Charles AO QC said, “The National Integrity Committee has established a benchmark for an effective federal anti-corruption body. It must have a broad jurisdiction, strong investigative powers and the ability to hold public hearings. Without public hearings, transparency and accountability cannot be achieved. We welcome Dr Phelps’ adoption of this integrity plan.”

“It is time for the Federal Government to meet the current commitments from Labor, the Greens and independents, and establish a National Integrity Commission,” Mr Charles said.

Former NSW ICAC Commissioner and NSW Court of Appeal Judge David Ipp AO QC said today, “Integrity and accountability are critical features of democracy. One would hope for bipartisan support of these issues.”

“The establishment of a National Integrity Commission should be an urgent matter and we look forward to working with candidates and elected representatives from all parties to process to ensure Australia gets an anti-corruption body with the powers it needs to deliver,” Mr Ipp said.

Members of the National Integrity Committee, hosted by The Australia Institute:

• Former NSW ICAC Commissioner David Ipp AO QC
• Former President of the Queensland Court of Appeal Margaret McMurdo AC
• Former Judge of the Victorian Court of Appeal Stephen Charles AO QC
• Chair of Transparency International Anthony Whealy QC
• Former Judge of the NSW Court of Appeal Paul Stein AM QC
• Former Judge of the Victorian Court of Appeal David Harper AM QC