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Chapter 1

Introduction

Terms of reference

1.1        On 7 July 2011, the Parliamentary Joint Committee on the Australian Commission for Law Enforcement Integrity (the committee) initiated an inquiry into the possible introduction of a law enforcement integrity testing framework at the Commonwealth level, pursuant to the committee's duties set out in subsection 215(1)(d) of the Law Enforcement Integrity Commissioner Act 2006 (the LEIC Act).

1.2        In particular, the committee resolved to consider:

(a) the various integrity testing models, including the advantages and disadvantages of random and targeted integrity testing, effectiveness as a corruption deterrent, and possible entrapment issues;

(b) the legislative and administrative framework required to underpin an integrity testing regime;

(c) the Commonwealth agencies to whom an integrity testing regime could apply;

(d) the potential role of the Australian Commission for Law Enforcement Integrity in integrity testing; and

(e) any other relevant matters.

Conduct of the inquiry

1.3        The committee advertised the inquiry in The Australian newspaper and on the committee's website. In addition, the committee wrote to a number of organisations inviting submissions.

1.4        The committee received a total of 11 submissions, 10 of which are published on the committee's website. One submission was received as a confidential submission. A list of submissions is contained at Appendix 1.

1.5        In addition, the committee held public hearings in Canberra on 19 August 2011 and in Perth on 9 September 2011. In camera hearings were also held in Sydney on 16 September 2011 and in Canberra on 13 October 2011.

Structure of the report

1.6        The remainder of this report is split into three chapters. Chapter 2 provides an overview of integrity testing, including established programs around Australia and internationally. Chapter 3 examines the arguments for and against introducing integrity testing in Commonwealth law enforcement agencies. Chapter 4 concludes with discussion and recommendations about the design of an integrity testing program if it were to be introduced.

Acknowledgements

1.7        The committee wishes to express its appreciation to all parties who contributed to the conduct of this inquiry, whether by making a written submission, by attending a public hearing or, as in many cases, by making both written and oral submissions.

Note on references

1.8        References to the committee Hansard are to the proof Hansard: page numbers may vary between the proof and the official Hansard.

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