Parliamentary standards and Code of Conduct

A Member of Parliament holds a high office as the representative and the servant of his constituents. His conduct must be impeccable and above reproach.

The Christian Democratic Party (CDP) is concerned that an increasing number of parliamentarians fall short of the high standards that are expected from them in public and private life.

CDP will introduce legislation in the WA Parliament for the establishment of:

· a comprehensive, updated Parliamentary Code of Conduct to which all Members of Parliament will have to subscribe and

· a Parliamentary Standards Commissioner who will promptly and efficiently investigate all complaints received from the public, advise parliamentarians of their responsibilities and have strong disciplinary powers to act as a deterrent against serious breaches of the Code of Conduct.

The Code of Conduct will embody the general principles of conduct contained in the Code of the British Parliament i.e:

• Selflessness.

Holders of public office should take decisions solely in terms of the public interest. They should not do so in order to gain financial or other material benefit for themselves, their family or their friends.

• Integrity

Holders of public office should not place themselves under any financial or other obligation to outside individuals or organisations that might influence them in the performance of their official duties.

• Objectivity

In carrying out public business, including making public appointments, awarding contracts or recommending individuals for rewards or benefits, holders of public office should make choices on merit alone.

• Accountability

Holders of public office are accountable for their decisions and actions to the public and must submit themselves to whatever scrutiny is appropriate to their office.

• Openness

Holders of public office should be as open as possible about all the decisions and actions that they take. They should give reasons for their decisions and restrict information only when the wider public interest clearly demands.

• Honesty

Holders of public office have a duty to declare any private interests relating to their public duties and to take steps to resolve any conflicts arising in a way that protects the public interest.

• Leadership

Holders of public office should promote and support these principles by leadership and example.

CDP will also introduce legislation to establish a Committee on Standards in Public Life, modelled again on the UK system which has been in operation since 1994.

The Committee will be an independent, non departmental body reporting to the Premier and Parliament with policy recommendations to ensure the highest standards of propriety in public life. It will create policies and codes of conduct for the whole of the public sector, Parliament and local governments. It will oversee the work of the Parliamentary Standards Commissioner.

CDP will continue to support the operation of the Crime and Corruption Commission whose responsibilities are to investigate allegations of misconduct by WA public officer, including police officers and officers employed in local government.