The Parliamentary Joint Committee on the Australian Commission for Law Enforcement Integrity (ACLEI) today tabled in the House of Representatives the final report on the committee’s inquiry into integrity testing.
The report recommends that a targeted integrity testing program initially apply to law enforcement agencies within ACLEI's jurisdiction, including the Australian Federal Police, the Australian Crime Commission, and the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service.
"Evidence has shown, both internationally and in the Australian states and territories, that integrity testing can be a very effective tool,” Committee Chair Melissa Parke said.
“The introduction of integrity testing would complement existing integrity arrangements and would assist the government in its fight against serious and organised crime."
Ms Parke said the committee did not take its view with regard to the value of integrity testing on the basis of any existing corruption in Australian law enforcement agencies but instead were looking to put in place strong preventative measures.
“Law enforcement agencies take their governance and accountability very seriously,” she said.
“Integrity testing is in keeping with the basic principle that corruption is best fought through prevention and vigilance.”
Ms Parke said the committee had recommended several safeguards to ensure integrity testing is used in an appropriate manner.
“Key safeguards recommended include:
- Requirement for the Integrity Commissioner to be notified;
- Discretion for the Integrity Commissioner to be involved or take control of integrity tests; and
- Oversight by the Commonwealth Ombudsman and reporting to the Parliament,” she said.
ACLEI was established in December 2006 to provide anti-corruption oversight of law enforcement at the Commonwealth level. The report will be tabled in the Senate this week.
For media comment: Please contact the office of the Chair, Ms Melissa Parke MP, 02 6277 2189 or Ms Parke’s media adviser, Josh Wilson, Mob: 0419 963 486
For information: Report available on: http://www.aph.gov.au/Senate/committee/aclei_ctte/index.htm
For other information please contact the secretariat, Ph: 02 6277 3419 aclei.committee@aph.gov.au |