❓ The Attorney General accuses the Liberal Party of sabotaging the establishment of the Corruption and Crime Commission by delaying the passage of necessary legislation, potentially benefiting corrupt individuals and hindering ongoing investigations.
AnsweredQoN 841Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
Will the Attorney General advise the House of the consequences of the Liberal Party’s decision to frustrate the operations of the new Corruption and Crime Commission by referring the legislation to a committee rather than cooperating in its passage? Mr J.A. McGINTY
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for Girrawheen for the question and for her ongoing interest in justice matters. This week I received from the Royal Commission Into Whether There Has Been Any Corrupt or Criminal Conduct by Western Australian Police Officers advice that I intend to table as part of the answer to this question on the adverse impact of delays in passing the Corruption and Crime Commission Bill through the Parliament. In essence, the advice received from the police royal commission, which was set up to properly deal with police corruption in Western Australia, is that, first, there will be a loss of continuity between investigations currently being undertaken by the royal commission that cannot be taken over by the Corruption and Crime Commission if the Bill is not passed before the police royal commission winds up on 31 August. Secondly, it has advised that the Anti-Corruption Commission does not have power over assumed identities, integrity tests and controlled operations that the royal commission is using with great effect, and there will be a need for the new Corruption and Crime Commission to take over those powers. Thirdly, there will be a brain drain of staff back to the eastern States as organisations such as the Australian Crime Commission actively recruit investigative staff. The new body in Western Australia will be at risk of not being able to recruit staff of the calibre of those used to great effect in the royal commission. The delay in the passage of the corruption and crime commission legislation means that we will not be able to appoint a commissioner and, therefore, we will not be able to recruit staff. The initial establishment of what will be the toughest anticorruption body in Australia stands to be sabotaged by the Liberal Party because it will not pass this legislation. It is intent on ensuring that the new Corruption and Crime Commission in this State is stymied from the outset. Who will that benefit? It will benefit corrupt police officers and public servants in this State because the Liberal Party will not get its act together and ensure that, as recommended by the royal commission, this legislation is passed within the time frame necessary to ensure a seamless transition from the police royal commission to the Corruption and Crime Commission. I do not know why members opposite are intent on frustrating the commencement of this body. I cannot begin to understand it. At a time when this Government wants to impose tougher penalties that adequately deal with crime in this State and smarter policing to create safer communities, the Liberal Party is continuing with its traditional role of being spoilers for no practical benefit. The Liberal Party in this State has always been soft on corruption and white-collar crime. Do members recall the finance brokers scandal when the previous Government fell asleep at the wheel while massive corruption was carried on by its mates? That Government was not prepared to lift a finger to do anything about it! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the members for Kalgoorlie, Peel, Hillarys, Darling Range and Nedlands. Mr J.A. McGINTY: Members opposite opposed the establishment of the royal commission and now they are trying to sabotage its initial operation. They should be ashamed of themselves. Not only were they asleep at the wheel during the finance brokers scandal, as thousands of elderly Western Australians lost their lifesavings, but also they sat back and did absolutely nothing about it. This Government has created the royal commission that dealt with the problem while the previous Government did absolutely nothing and offered no support whatsoever. The previous Government refused to amend the Anti-Corruption Commission Act that its chairman - appointed by the then Government - said was set up to fail by that Government. Those opposite have an atrocious record of dealing with corruption and white-collar crime. This is yet another chapter in their hopeless dealing with these very important matters. They are trying to sabotage the Corruption and Crime Commission before it begins. There is no leadership whatsoever on that side, and those opposite should be ashamed of themselves. I table a copy of the royal commission briefing note titled “Adverse Impact of Delay in CCC Legislation”. [See paper No 1204.]
Mr J.A. McGINTY replied: I thank the member for Girrawheen for the question and for her ongoing interest in justice matters. This week I received from the Royal Commission Into Whether There Has Been Any Corrupt or Criminal Conduct by Western Australian Police Officers advice that I intend to table as part of the answer to this question on the adverse impact of delays in passing the Corruption and Crime Commission Bill through the Parliament. In essence, the advice received from the police royal commission, which was set up to properly deal with police corruption in Western Australia, is that, first, there will be a loss of continuity between investigations currently being undertaken by the royal commission that cannot be taken over by the Corruption and Crime Commission if the Bill is not passed before the police royal commission winds up on 31 August. Secondly, it has advised that the Anti-Corruption Commission does not have power over assumed identities, integrity tests and controlled operations that the royal commission is using with great effect, and there will be a need for the new Corruption and Crime Commission to take over those powers. Thirdly, there will be a brain drain of staff back to the eastern States as organisations such as the Australian Crime Commission actively recruit investigative staff. The new body in Western Australia will be at risk of not being able to recruit staff of the calibre of those used to great effect in the royal commission. The delay in the passage of the corruption and crime commission legislation means that we will not be able to appoint a commissioner and, therefore, we will not be able to recruit staff. The initial establishment of what will be the toughest anticorruption body in Australia stands to be sabotaged by the Liberal Party because it will not pass this legislation. It is intent on ensuring that the new Corruption and Crime Commission in this State is stymied from the outset. Who will that benefit? It will benefit corrupt police officers and public servants in this State because the Liberal Party will not get its act together and ensure that, as recommended by the royal commission, this legislation is passed within the time frame necessary to ensure a seamless transition from the police royal commission to the Corruption and Crime Commission. I do not know why members opposite are intent on frustrating the commencement of this body. I cannot begin to understand it. At a time when this Government wants to impose tougher penalties that adequately deal with crime in this State and smarter policing to create safer communities, the Liberal Party is continuing with its traditional role of being spoilers for no practical benefit. The Liberal Party in this State has always been soft on corruption and white-collar crime. Do members recall the finance brokers scandal when the previous Government fell asleep at the wheel while massive corruption was carried on by its mates? That Government was not prepared to lift a finger to do anything about it! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the members for Kalgoorlie, Peel, Hillarys, Darling Range and Nedlands. Mr J.A. McGINTY: Members opposite opposed the establishment of the royal commission and now they are trying to sabotage its initial operation. They should be ashamed of themselves. Not only were they asleep at the wheel during the finance brokers scandal, as thousands of elderly Western Australians lost their lifesavings, but also they sat back and did absolutely nothing about it. This Government has created the royal commission that dealt with the problem while the previous Government did absolutely nothing and offered no support whatsoever. The previous Government refused to amend the Anti-Corruption Commission Act that its chairman - appointed by the then Government - said was set up to fail by that Government. Those opposite have an atrocious record of dealing with corruption and white-collar crime. This is yet another chapter in their hopeless dealing with these very important matters. They are trying to sabotage the Corruption and Crime Commission before it begins. There is no leadership whatsoever on that side, and those opposite should be ashamed of themselves. I table a copy of the royal commission briefing note titled “Adverse Impact of Delay in CCC Legislation”. [See paper No 1204.]
I thank the member for Girrawheen for the question and for her ongoing interest in justice matters. This week I received from the Royal Commission Into Whether There Has Been Any Corrupt or Criminal Conduct by Western Australian Police Officers advice that I intend to table as part of the answer to this question on the adverse impact of delays in passing the Corruption and Crime Commission Bill through the Parliament. In essence, the advice received from the police royal commission, which was set up to properly deal with police corruption in Western Australia, is that, first, there will be a loss of continuity between investigations currently being undertaken by the royal commission that cannot be taken over by the Corruption and Crime Commission if the Bill is not passed before the police royal commission winds up on 31 August. Secondly, it has advised that the Anti-Corruption Commission does not have power over assumed identities, integrity tests and controlled operations that the royal commission is using with great effect, and there will be a need for the new Corruption and Crime Commission to take over those powers. Thirdly, there will be a brain drain of staff back to the eastern States as organisations such as the Australian Crime Commission actively recruit investigative staff. The new body in Western Australia will be at risk of not being able to recruit staff of the calibre of those used to great effect in the royal commission. The delay in the passage of the corruption and crime commission legislation means that we will not be able to appoint a commissioner and, therefore, we will not be able to recruit staff. The initial establishment of what will be the toughest anticorruption body in Australia stands to be sabotaged by the Liberal Party because it will not pass this legislation. It is intent on ensuring that the new Corruption and Crime Commission in this State is stymied from the outset. Who will that benefit? It will benefit corrupt police officers and public servants in this State because the Liberal Party will not get its act together and ensure that, as recommended by the royal commission, this legislation is passed within the time frame necessary to ensure a seamless transition from the police royal commission to the Corruption and Crime Commission. I do not know why members opposite are intent on frustrating the commencement of this body. I cannot begin to understand it. At a time when this Government wants to impose tougher penalties that adequately deal with crime in this State and smarter policing to create safer communities, the Liberal Party is continuing with its traditional role of being spoilers for no practical benefit. The Liberal Party in this State has always been soft on corruption and white-collar crime. Do members recall the finance brokers scandal when the previous Government fell asleep at the wheel while massive corruption was carried on by its mates? That Government was not prepared to lift a finger to do anything about it! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the members for Kalgoorlie, Peel, Hillarys, Darling Range and Nedlands. Mr J.A. McGINTY: Members opposite opposed the establishment of the royal commission and now they are trying to sabotage its initial operation. They should be ashamed of themselves. Not only were they asleep at the wheel during the finance brokers scandal, as thousands of elderly Western Australians lost their lifesavings, but also they sat back and did absolutely nothing about it. This Government has created the royal commission that dealt with the problem while the previous Government did absolutely nothing and offered no support whatsoever. The previous Government refused to amend the Anti-Corruption Commission Act that its chairman - appointed by the then Government - said was set up to fail by that Government. Those opposite have an atrocious record of dealing with corruption and white-collar crime. This is yet another chapter in their hopeless dealing with these very important matters. They are trying to sabotage the Corruption and Crime Commission before it begins. There is no leadership whatsoever on that side, and those opposite should be ashamed of themselves. I table a copy of the royal commission briefing note titled “Adverse Impact of Delay in CCC Legislation”. [See paper No 1204.]
In essence, the advice received from the police royal commission, which was set up to properly deal with police corruption in Western Australia, is that, first, there will be a loss of continuity between investigations currently being undertaken by the royal commission that cannot be taken over by the Corruption and Crime Commission if the Bill is not passed before the police royal commission winds up on 31 August. Secondly, it has advised that the Anti-Corruption Commission does not have power over assumed identities, integrity tests and controlled operations that the royal commission is using with great effect, and there will be a need for the new Corruption and Crime Commission to take over those powers. Thirdly, there will be a brain drain of staff back to the eastern States as organisations such as the Australian Crime Commission actively recruit investigative staff. The new body in Western Australia will be at risk of not being able to recruit staff of the calibre of those used to great effect in the royal commission. The delay in the passage of the corruption and crime commission legislation means that we will not be able to appoint a commissioner and, therefore, we will not be able to recruit staff. The initial establishment of what will be the toughest anticorruption body in Australia stands to be sabotaged by the Liberal Party because it will not pass this legislation. It is intent on ensuring that the new Corruption and Crime Commission in this State is stymied from the outset. Who will that benefit? It will benefit corrupt police officers and public servants in this State because the Liberal Party will not get its act together and ensure that, as recommended by the royal commission, this legislation is passed within the time frame necessary to ensure a seamless transition from the police royal commission to the Corruption and Crime Commission. I do not know why members opposite are intent on frustrating the commencement of this body. I cannot begin to understand it. At a time when this Government wants to impose tougher penalties that adequately deal with crime in this State and smarter policing to create safer communities, the Liberal Party is continuing with its traditional role of being spoilers for no practical benefit. The Liberal Party in this State has always been soft on corruption and white-collar crime. Do members recall the finance brokers scandal when the previous Government fell asleep at the wheel while massive corruption was carried on by its mates? That Government was not prepared to lift a finger to do anything about it! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the members for Kalgoorlie, Peel, Hillarys, Darling Range and Nedlands. Mr J.A. McGINTY: Members opposite opposed the establishment of the royal commission and now they are trying to sabotage its initial operation. They should be ashamed of themselves. Not only were they asleep at the wheel during the finance brokers scandal, as thousands of elderly Western Australians lost their lifesavings, but also they sat back and did absolutely nothing about it. This Government has created the royal commission that dealt with the problem while the previous Government did absolutely nothing and offered no support whatsoever. The previous Government refused to amend the Anti-Corruption Commission Act that its chairman - appointed by the then Government - said was set up to fail by that Government. Those opposite have an atrocious record of dealing with corruption and white-collar crime. This is yet another chapter in their hopeless dealing with these very important matters. They are trying to sabotage the Corruption and Crime Commission before it begins. There is no leadership whatsoever on that side, and those opposite should be ashamed of themselves. I table a copy of the royal commission briefing note titled “Adverse Impact of Delay in CCC Legislation”. [See paper No 1204.]
Secondly, it has advised that the Anti-Corruption Commission does not have power over assumed identities, integrity tests and controlled operations that the royal commission is using with great effect, and there will be a need for the new Corruption and Crime Commission to take over those powers. Thirdly, there will be a brain drain of staff back to the eastern States as organisations such as the Australian Crime Commission actively recruit investigative staff. The new body in Western Australia will be at risk of not being able to recruit staff of the calibre of those used to great effect in the royal commission. The delay in the passage of the corruption and crime commission legislation means that we will not be able to appoint a commissioner and, therefore, we will not be able to recruit staff. The initial establishment of what will be the toughest anticorruption body in Australia stands to be sabotaged by the Liberal Party because it will not pass this legislation. It is intent on ensuring that the new Corruption and Crime Commission in this State is stymied from the outset. Who will that benefit? It will benefit corrupt police officers and public servants in this State because the Liberal Party will not get its act together and ensure that, as recommended by the royal commission, this legislation is passed within the time frame necessary to ensure a seamless transition from the police royal commission to the Corruption and Crime Commission. I do not know why members opposite are intent on frustrating the commencement of this body. I cannot begin to understand it. At a time when this Government wants to impose tougher penalties that adequately deal with crime in this State and smarter policing to create safer communities, the Liberal Party is continuing with its traditional role of being spoilers for no practical benefit. The Liberal Party in this State has always been soft on corruption and white-collar crime. Do members recall the finance brokers scandal when the previous Government fell asleep at the wheel while massive corruption was carried on by its mates? That Government was not prepared to lift a finger to do anything about it! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the members for Kalgoorlie, Peel, Hillarys, Darling Range and Nedlands. Mr J.A. McGINTY: Members opposite opposed the establishment of the royal commission and now they are trying to sabotage its initial operation. They should be ashamed of themselves. Not only were they asleep at the wheel during the finance brokers scandal, as thousands of elderly Western Australians lost their lifesavings, but also they sat back and did absolutely nothing about it. This Government has created the royal commission that dealt with the problem while the previous Government did absolutely nothing and offered no support whatsoever. The previous Government refused to amend the Anti-Corruption Commission Act that its chairman - appointed by the then Government - said was set up to fail by that Government. Those opposite have an atrocious record of dealing with corruption and white-collar crime. This is yet another chapter in their hopeless dealing with these very important matters. They are trying to sabotage the Corruption and Crime Commission before it begins. There is no leadership whatsoever on that side, and those opposite should be ashamed of themselves. I table a copy of the royal commission briefing note titled “Adverse Impact of Delay in CCC Legislation”. [See paper No 1204.]
Thirdly, there will be a brain drain of staff back to the eastern States as organisations such as the Australian Crime Commission actively recruit investigative staff. The new body in Western Australia will be at risk of not being able to recruit staff of the calibre of those used to great effect in the royal commission. The delay in the passage of the corruption and crime commission legislation means that we will not be able to appoint a commissioner and, therefore, we will not be able to recruit staff. The initial establishment of what will be the toughest anticorruption body in Australia stands to be sabotaged by the Liberal Party because it will not pass this legislation. It is intent on ensuring that the new Corruption and Crime Commission in this State is stymied from the outset. Who will that benefit? It will benefit corrupt police officers and public servants in this State because the Liberal Party will not get its act together and ensure that, as recommended by the royal commission, this legislation is passed within the time frame necessary to ensure a seamless transition from the police royal commission to the Corruption and Crime Commission. I do not know why members opposite are intent on frustrating the commencement of this body. I cannot begin to understand it. At a time when this Government wants to impose tougher penalties that adequately deal with crime in this State and smarter policing to create safer communities, the Liberal Party is continuing with its traditional role of being spoilers for no practical benefit. The Liberal Party in this State has always been soft on corruption and white-collar crime. Do members recall the finance brokers scandal when the previous Government fell asleep at the wheel while massive corruption was carried on by its mates? That Government was not prepared to lift a finger to do anything about it! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the members for Kalgoorlie, Peel, Hillarys, Darling Range and Nedlands. Mr J.A. McGINTY: Members opposite opposed the establishment of the royal commission and now they are trying to sabotage its initial operation. They should be ashamed of themselves. Not only were they asleep at the wheel during the finance brokers scandal, as thousands of elderly Western Australians lost their lifesavings, but also they sat back and did absolutely nothing about it. This Government has created the royal commission that dealt with the problem while the previous Government did absolutely nothing and offered no support whatsoever. The previous Government refused to amend the Anti-Corruption Commission Act that its chairman - appointed by the then Government - said was set up to fail by that Government. Those opposite have an atrocious record of dealing with corruption and white-collar crime. This is yet another chapter in their hopeless dealing with these very important matters. They are trying to sabotage the Corruption and Crime Commission before it begins. There is no leadership whatsoever on that side, and those opposite should be ashamed of themselves. I table a copy of the royal commission briefing note titled “Adverse Impact of Delay in CCC Legislation”. [See paper No 1204.]
The initial establishment of what will be the toughest anticorruption body in Australia stands to be sabotaged by the Liberal Party because it will not pass this legislation. It is intent on ensuring that the new Corruption and Crime Commission in this State is stymied from the outset. Who will that benefit? It will benefit corrupt police officers and public servants in this State because the Liberal Party will not get its act together and ensure that, as recommended by the royal commission, this legislation is passed within the time frame necessary to ensure a seamless transition from the police royal commission to the Corruption and Crime Commission. I do not know why members opposite are intent on frustrating the commencement of this body. I cannot begin to understand it. At a time when this Government wants to impose tougher penalties that adequately deal with crime in this State and smarter policing to create safer communities, the Liberal Party is continuing with its traditional role of being spoilers for no practical benefit. The Liberal Party in this State has always been soft on corruption and white-collar crime. Do members recall the finance brokers scandal when the previous Government fell asleep at the wheel while massive corruption was carried on by its mates? That Government was not prepared to lift a finger to do anything about it! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the members for Kalgoorlie, Peel, Hillarys, Darling Range and Nedlands. Mr J.A. McGINTY: Members opposite opposed the establishment of the royal commission and now they are trying to sabotage its initial operation. They should be ashamed of themselves. Not only were they asleep at the wheel during the finance brokers scandal, as thousands of elderly Western Australians lost their lifesavings, but also they sat back and did absolutely nothing about it. This Government has created the royal commission that dealt with the problem while the previous Government did absolutely nothing and offered no support whatsoever. The previous Government refused to amend the Anti-Corruption Commission Act that its chairman - appointed by the then Government - said was set up to fail by that Government. Those opposite have an atrocious record of dealing with corruption and white-collar crime. This is yet another chapter in their hopeless dealing with these very important matters. They are trying to sabotage the Corruption and Crime Commission before it begins. There is no leadership whatsoever on that side, and those opposite should be ashamed of themselves. I table a copy of the royal commission briefing note titled “Adverse Impact of Delay in CCC Legislation”. [See paper No 1204.]
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the members for Kalgoorlie, Peel, Hillarys, Darling Range and Nedlands. Mr J.A. McGINTY: Members opposite opposed the establishment of the royal commission and now they are trying to sabotage its initial operation. They should be ashamed of themselves. Not only were they asleep at the wheel during the finance brokers scandal, as thousands of elderly Western Australians lost their lifesavings, but also they sat back and did absolutely nothing about it. This Government has created the royal commission that dealt with the problem while the previous Government did absolutely nothing and offered no support whatsoever. The previous Government refused to amend the Anti-Corruption Commission Act that its chairman - appointed by the then Government - said was set up to fail by that Government. Those opposite have an atrocious record of dealing with corruption and white-collar crime. This is yet another chapter in their hopeless dealing with these very important matters. They are trying to sabotage the Corruption and Crime Commission before it begins. There is no leadership whatsoever on that side, and those opposite should be ashamed of themselves. I table a copy of the royal commission briefing note titled “Adverse Impact of Delay in CCC Legislation”. [See paper No 1204.]
The SPEAKER: I call to order the members for Kalgoorlie, Peel, Hillarys, Darling Range and Nedlands. Mr J.A. McGINTY: Members opposite opposed the establishment of the royal commission and now they are trying to sabotage its initial operation. They should be ashamed of themselves. Not only were they asleep at the wheel during the finance brokers scandal, as thousands of elderly Western Australians lost their lifesavings, but also they sat back and did absolutely nothing about it. This Government has created the royal commission that dealt with the problem while the previous Government did absolutely nothing and offered no support whatsoever. The previous Government refused to amend the Anti-Corruption Commission Act that its chairman - appointed by the then Government - said was set up to fail by that Government. Those opposite have an atrocious record of dealing with corruption and white-collar crime. This is yet another chapter in their hopeless dealing with these very important matters. They are trying to sabotage the Corruption and Crime Commission before it begins. There is no leadership whatsoever on that side, and those opposite should be ashamed of themselves. I table a copy of the royal commission briefing note titled “Adverse Impact of Delay in CCC Legislation”. [See paper No 1204.]
Mr J.A. McGINTY: Members opposite opposed the establishment of the royal commission and now they are trying to sabotage its initial operation. They should be ashamed of themselves. Not only were they asleep at the wheel during the finance brokers scandal, as thousands of elderly Western Australians lost their lifesavings, but also they sat back and did absolutely nothing about it. This Government has created the royal commission that dealt with the problem while the previous Government did absolutely nothing and offered no support whatsoever. The previous Government refused to amend the Anti-Corruption Commission Act that its chairman - appointed by the then Government - said was set up to fail by that Government. Those opposite have an atrocious record of dealing with corruption and white-collar crime. This is yet another chapter in their hopeless dealing with these very important matters. They are trying to sabotage the Corruption and Crime Commission before it begins. There is no leadership whatsoever on that side, and those opposite should be ashamed of themselves. I table a copy of the royal commission briefing note titled “Adverse Impact of Delay in CCC Legislation”. [See paper No 1204.]
I table a copy of the royal commission briefing note titled “Adverse Impact of Delay in CCC Legislation”. [See paper No 1204.]
[See paper No 1204.]
Mr J.A. McGINTY replied: I thank the member for Girrawheen for the question and for her ongoing interest in justice matters. This week I received from the Royal Commission Into Whether There Has Been Any Corrupt or Criminal Conduct by Western Australian Police Officers advice that I intend to table as part of the answer to this question on the adverse impact of delays in passing the Corruption and Crime Commission Bill through the Parliament. In essence, the advice received from the police royal commission, which was set up to properly deal with police corruption in Western Australia, is that, first, there will be a loss of continuity between investigations currently being undertaken by the royal commission that cannot be taken over by the Corruption and Crime Commission if the Bill is not passed before the police royal commission winds up on 31 August. Secondly, it has advised that the Anti-Corruption Commission does not have power over assumed identities, integrity tests and controlled operations that the royal commission is using with great effect, and there will be a need for the new Corruption and Crime Commission to take over those powers. Thirdly, there will be a brain drain of staff back to the eastern States as organisations such as the Australian Crime Commission actively recruit investigative staff. The new body in Western Australia will be at risk of not being able to recruit staff of the calibre of those used to great effect in the royal commission. The delay in the passage of the corruption and crime commission legislation means that we will not be able to appoint a commissioner and, therefore, we will not be able to recruit staff. The initial establishment of what will be the toughest anticorruption body in Australia stands to be sabotaged by the Liberal Party because it will not pass this legislation. It is intent on ensuring that the new Corruption and Crime Commission in this State is stymied from the outset. Who will that benefit? It will benefit corrupt police officers and public servants in this State because the Liberal Party will not get its act together and ensure that, as recommended by the royal commission, this legislation is passed within the time frame necessary to ensure a seamless transition from the police royal commission to the Corruption and Crime Commission. I do not know why members opposite are intent on frustrating the commencement of this body. I cannot begin to understand it. At a time when this Government wants to impose tougher penalties that adequately deal with crime in this State and smarter policing to create safer communities, the Liberal Party is continuing with its traditional role of being spoilers for no practical benefit. The Liberal Party in this State has always been soft on corruption and white-collar crime. Do members recall the finance brokers scandal when the previous Government fell asleep at the wheel while massive corruption was carried on by its mates? That Government was not prepared to lift a finger to do anything about it! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the members for Kalgoorlie, Peel, Hillarys, Darling Range and Nedlands. Mr J.A. McGINTY: Members opposite opposed the establishment of the royal commission and now they are trying to sabotage its initial operation. They should be ashamed of themselves. Not only were they asleep at the wheel during the finance brokers scandal, as thousands of elderly Western Australians lost their lifesavings, but also they sat back and did absolutely nothing about it. This Government has created the royal commission that dealt with the problem while the previous Government did absolutely nothing and offered no support whatsoever. The previous Government refused to amend the Anti-Corruption Commission Act that its chairman - appointed by the then Government - said was set up to fail by that Government. Those opposite have an atrocious record of dealing with corruption and white-collar crime. This is yet another chapter in their hopeless dealing with these very important matters. They are trying to sabotage the Corruption and Crime Commission before it begins. There is no leadership whatsoever on that side, and those opposite should be ashamed of themselves. I table a copy of the royal commission briefing note titled “Adverse Impact of Delay in CCC Legislation”. [See paper No 1204.]
I thank the member for Girrawheen for the question and for her ongoing interest in justice matters. This week I received from the Royal Commission Into Whether There Has Been Any Corrupt or Criminal Conduct by Western Australian Police Officers advice that I intend to table as part of the answer to this question on the adverse impact of delays in passing the Corruption and Crime Commission Bill through the Parliament. In essence, the advice received from the police royal commission, which was set up to properly deal with police corruption in Western Australia, is that, first, there will be a loss of continuity between investigations currently being undertaken by the royal commission that cannot be taken over by the Corruption and Crime Commission if the Bill is not passed before the police royal commission winds up on 31 August. Secondly, it has advised that the Anti-Corruption Commission does not have power over assumed identities, integrity tests and controlled operations that the royal commission is using with great effect, and there will be a need for the new Corruption and Crime Commission to take over those powers. Thirdly, there will be a brain drain of staff back to the eastern States as organisations such as the Australian Crime Commission actively recruit investigative staff. The new body in Western Australia will be at risk of not being able to recruit staff of the calibre of those used to great effect in the royal commission. The delay in the passage of the corruption and crime commission legislation means that we will not be able to appoint a commissioner and, therefore, we will not be able to recruit staff. The initial establishment of what will be the toughest anticorruption body in Australia stands to be sabotaged by the Liberal Party because it will not pass this legislation. It is intent on ensuring that the new Corruption and Crime Commission in this State is stymied from the outset. Who will that benefit? It will benefit corrupt police officers and public servants in this State because the Liberal Party will not get its act together and ensure that, as recommended by the royal commission, this legislation is passed within the time frame necessary to ensure a seamless transition from the police royal commission to the Corruption and Crime Commission. I do not know why members opposite are intent on frustrating the commencement of this body. I cannot begin to understand it. At a time when this Government wants to impose tougher penalties that adequately deal with crime in this State and smarter policing to create safer communities, the Liberal Party is continuing with its traditional role of being spoilers for no practical benefit. The Liberal Party in this State has always been soft on corruption and white-collar crime. Do members recall the finance brokers scandal when the previous Government fell asleep at the wheel while massive corruption was carried on by its mates? That Government was not prepared to lift a finger to do anything about it! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the members for Kalgoorlie, Peel, Hillarys, Darling Range and Nedlands. Mr J.A. McGINTY: Members opposite opposed the establishment of the royal commission and now they are trying to sabotage its initial operation. They should be ashamed of themselves. Not only were they asleep at the wheel during the finance brokers scandal, as thousands of elderly Western Australians lost their lifesavings, but also they sat back and did absolutely nothing about it. This Government has created the royal commission that dealt with the problem while the previous Government did absolutely nothing and offered no support whatsoever. The previous Government refused to amend the Anti-Corruption Commission Act that its chairman - appointed by the then Government - said was set up to fail by that Government. Those opposite have an atrocious record of dealing with corruption and white-collar crime. This is yet another chapter in their hopeless dealing with these very important matters. They are trying to sabotage the Corruption and Crime Commission before it begins. There is no leadership whatsoever on that side, and those opposite should be ashamed of themselves. I table a copy of the royal commission briefing note titled “Adverse Impact of Delay in CCC Legislation”. [See paper No 1204.]
In essence, the advice received from the police royal commission, which was set up to properly deal with police corruption in Western Australia, is that, first, there will be a loss of continuity between investigations currently being undertaken by the royal commission that cannot be taken over by the Corruption and Crime Commission if the Bill is not passed before the police royal commission winds up on 31 August. Secondly, it has advised that the Anti-Corruption Commission does not have power over assumed identities, integrity tests and controlled operations that the royal commission is using with great effect, and there will be a need for the new Corruption and Crime Commission to take over those powers. Thirdly, there will be a brain drain of staff back to the eastern States as organisations such as the Australian Crime Commission actively recruit investigative staff. The new body in Western Australia will be at risk of not being able to recruit staff of the calibre of those used to great effect in the royal commission. The delay in the passage of the corruption and crime commission legislation means that we will not be able to appoint a commissioner and, therefore, we will not be able to recruit staff. The initial establishment of what will be the toughest anticorruption body in Australia stands to be sabotaged by the Liberal Party because it will not pass this legislation. It is intent on ensuring that the new Corruption and Crime Commission in this State is stymied from the outset. Who will that benefit? It will benefit corrupt police officers and public servants in this State because the Liberal Party will not get its act together and ensure that, as recommended by the royal commission, this legislation is passed within the time frame necessary to ensure a seamless transition from the police royal commission to the Corruption and Crime Commission. I do not know why members opposite are intent on frustrating the commencement of this body. I cannot begin to understand it. At a time when this Government wants to impose tougher penalties that adequately deal with crime in this State and smarter policing to create safer communities, the Liberal Party is continuing with its traditional role of being spoilers for no practical benefit. The Liberal Party in this State has always been soft on corruption and white-collar crime. Do members recall the finance brokers scandal when the previous Government fell asleep at the wheel while massive corruption was carried on by its mates? That Government was not prepared to lift a finger to do anything about it! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the members for Kalgoorlie, Peel, Hillarys, Darling Range and Nedlands. Mr J.A. McGINTY: Members opposite opposed the establishment of the royal commission and now they are trying to sabotage its initial operation. They should be ashamed of themselves. Not only were they asleep at the wheel during the finance brokers scandal, as thousands of elderly Western Australians lost their lifesavings, but also they sat back and did absolutely nothing about it. This Government has created the royal commission that dealt with the problem while the previous Government did absolutely nothing and offered no support whatsoever. The previous Government refused to amend the Anti-Corruption Commission Act that its chairman - appointed by the then Government - said was set up to fail by that Government. Those opposite have an atrocious record of dealing with corruption and white-collar crime. This is yet another chapter in their hopeless dealing with these very important matters. They are trying to sabotage the Corruption and Crime Commission before it begins. There is no leadership whatsoever on that side, and those opposite should be ashamed of themselves. I table a copy of the royal commission briefing note titled “Adverse Impact of Delay in CCC Legislation”. [See paper No 1204.]
Secondly, it has advised that the Anti-Corruption Commission does not have power over assumed identities, integrity tests and controlled operations that the royal commission is using with great effect, and there will be a need for the new Corruption and Crime Commission to take over those powers. Thirdly, there will be a brain drain of staff back to the eastern States as organisations such as the Australian Crime Commission actively recruit investigative staff. The new body in Western Australia will be at risk of not being able to recruit staff of the calibre of those used to great effect in the royal commission. The delay in the passage of the corruption and crime commission legislation means that we will not be able to appoint a commissioner and, therefore, we will not be able to recruit staff. The initial establishment of what will be the toughest anticorruption body in Australia stands to be sabotaged by the Liberal Party because it will not pass this legislation. It is intent on ensuring that the new Corruption and Crime Commission in this State is stymied from the outset. Who will that benefit? It will benefit corrupt police officers and public servants in this State because the Liberal Party will not get its act together and ensure that, as recommended by the royal commission, this legislation is passed within the time frame necessary to ensure a seamless transition from the police royal commission to the Corruption and Crime Commission. I do not know why members opposite are intent on frustrating the commencement of this body. I cannot begin to understand it. At a time when this Government wants to impose tougher penalties that adequately deal with crime in this State and smarter policing to create safer communities, the Liberal Party is continuing with its traditional role of being spoilers for no practical benefit. The Liberal Party in this State has always been soft on corruption and white-collar crime. Do members recall the finance brokers scandal when the previous Government fell asleep at the wheel while massive corruption was carried on by its mates? That Government was not prepared to lift a finger to do anything about it! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the members for Kalgoorlie, Peel, Hillarys, Darling Range and Nedlands. Mr J.A. McGINTY: Members opposite opposed the establishment of the royal commission and now they are trying to sabotage its initial operation. They should be ashamed of themselves. Not only were they asleep at the wheel during the finance brokers scandal, as thousands of elderly Western Australians lost their lifesavings, but also they sat back and did absolutely nothing about it. This Government has created the royal commission that dealt with the problem while the previous Government did absolutely nothing and offered no support whatsoever. The previous Government refused to amend the Anti-Corruption Commission Act that its chairman - appointed by the then Government - said was set up to fail by that Government. Those opposite have an atrocious record of dealing with corruption and white-collar crime. This is yet another chapter in their hopeless dealing with these very important matters. They are trying to sabotage the Corruption and Crime Commission before it begins. There is no leadership whatsoever on that side, and those opposite should be ashamed of themselves. I table a copy of the royal commission briefing note titled “Adverse Impact of Delay in CCC Legislation”. [See paper No 1204.]
Thirdly, there will be a brain drain of staff back to the eastern States as organisations such as the Australian Crime Commission actively recruit investigative staff. The new body in Western Australia will be at risk of not being able to recruit staff of the calibre of those used to great effect in the royal commission. The delay in the passage of the corruption and crime commission legislation means that we will not be able to appoint a commissioner and, therefore, we will not be able to recruit staff. The initial establishment of what will be the toughest anticorruption body in Australia stands to be sabotaged by the Liberal Party because it will not pass this legislation. It is intent on ensuring that the new Corruption and Crime Commission in this State is stymied from the outset. Who will that benefit? It will benefit corrupt police officers and public servants in this State because the Liberal Party will not get its act together and ensure that, as recommended by the royal commission, this legislation is passed within the time frame necessary to ensure a seamless transition from the police royal commission to the Corruption and Crime Commission. I do not know why members opposite are intent on frustrating the commencement of this body. I cannot begin to understand it. At a time when this Government wants to impose tougher penalties that adequately deal with crime in this State and smarter policing to create safer communities, the Liberal Party is continuing with its traditional role of being spoilers for no practical benefit. The Liberal Party in this State has always been soft on corruption and white-collar crime. Do members recall the finance brokers scandal when the previous Government fell asleep at the wheel while massive corruption was carried on by its mates? That Government was not prepared to lift a finger to do anything about it! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the members for Kalgoorlie, Peel, Hillarys, Darling Range and Nedlands. Mr J.A. McGINTY: Members opposite opposed the establishment of the royal commission and now they are trying to sabotage its initial operation. They should be ashamed of themselves. Not only were they asleep at the wheel during the finance brokers scandal, as thousands of elderly Western Australians lost their lifesavings, but also they sat back and did absolutely nothing about it. This Government has created the royal commission that dealt with the problem while the previous Government did absolutely nothing and offered no support whatsoever. The previous Government refused to amend the Anti-Corruption Commission Act that its chairman - appointed by the then Government - said was set up to fail by that Government. Those opposite have an atrocious record of dealing with corruption and white-collar crime. This is yet another chapter in their hopeless dealing with these very important matters. They are trying to sabotage the Corruption and Crime Commission before it begins. There is no leadership whatsoever on that side, and those opposite should be ashamed of themselves. I table a copy of the royal commission briefing note titled “Adverse Impact of Delay in CCC Legislation”. [See paper No 1204.]
The initial establishment of what will be the toughest anticorruption body in Australia stands to be sabotaged by the Liberal Party because it will not pass this legislation. It is intent on ensuring that the new Corruption and Crime Commission in this State is stymied from the outset. Who will that benefit? It will benefit corrupt police officers and public servants in this State because the Liberal Party will not get its act together and ensure that, as recommended by the royal commission, this legislation is passed within the time frame necessary to ensure a seamless transition from the police royal commission to the Corruption and Crime Commission. I do not know why members opposite are intent on frustrating the commencement of this body. I cannot begin to understand it. At a time when this Government wants to impose tougher penalties that adequately deal with crime in this State and smarter policing to create safer communities, the Liberal Party is continuing with its traditional role of being spoilers for no practical benefit. The Liberal Party in this State has always been soft on corruption and white-collar crime. Do members recall the finance brokers scandal when the previous Government fell asleep at the wheel while massive corruption was carried on by its mates? That Government was not prepared to lift a finger to do anything about it! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the members for Kalgoorlie, Peel, Hillarys, Darling Range and Nedlands. Mr J.A. McGINTY: Members opposite opposed the establishment of the royal commission and now they are trying to sabotage its initial operation. They should be ashamed of themselves. Not only were they asleep at the wheel during the finance brokers scandal, as thousands of elderly Western Australians lost their lifesavings, but also they sat back and did absolutely nothing about it. This Government has created the royal commission that dealt with the problem while the previous Government did absolutely nothing and offered no support whatsoever. The previous Government refused to amend the Anti-Corruption Commission Act that its chairman - appointed by the then Government - said was set up to fail by that Government. Those opposite have an atrocious record of dealing with corruption and white-collar crime. This is yet another chapter in their hopeless dealing with these very important matters. They are trying to sabotage the Corruption and Crime Commission before it begins. There is no leadership whatsoever on that side, and those opposite should be ashamed of themselves. I table a copy of the royal commission briefing note titled “Adverse Impact of Delay in CCC Legislation”. [See paper No 1204.]
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the members for Kalgoorlie, Peel, Hillarys, Darling Range and Nedlands. Mr J.A. McGINTY: Members opposite opposed the establishment of the royal commission and now they are trying to sabotage its initial operation. They should be ashamed of themselves. Not only were they asleep at the wheel during the finance brokers scandal, as thousands of elderly Western Australians lost their lifesavings, but also they sat back and did absolutely nothing about it. This Government has created the royal commission that dealt with the problem while the previous Government did absolutely nothing and offered no support whatsoever. The previous Government refused to amend the Anti-Corruption Commission Act that its chairman - appointed by the then Government - said was set up to fail by that Government. Those opposite have an atrocious record of dealing with corruption and white-collar crime. This is yet another chapter in their hopeless dealing with these very important matters. They are trying to sabotage the Corruption and Crime Commission before it begins. There is no leadership whatsoever on that side, and those opposite should be ashamed of themselves. I table a copy of the royal commission briefing note titled “Adverse Impact of Delay in CCC Legislation”. [See paper No 1204.]
The SPEAKER: I call to order the members for Kalgoorlie, Peel, Hillarys, Darling Range and Nedlands. Mr J.A. McGINTY: Members opposite opposed the establishment of the royal commission and now they are trying to sabotage its initial operation. They should be ashamed of themselves. Not only were they asleep at the wheel during the finance brokers scandal, as thousands of elderly Western Australians lost their lifesavings, but also they sat back and did absolutely nothing about it. This Government has created the royal commission that dealt with the problem while the previous Government did absolutely nothing and offered no support whatsoever. The previous Government refused to amend the Anti-Corruption Commission Act that its chairman - appointed by the then Government - said was set up to fail by that Government. Those opposite have an atrocious record of dealing with corruption and white-collar crime. This is yet another chapter in their hopeless dealing with these very important matters. They are trying to sabotage the Corruption and Crime Commission before it begins. There is no leadership whatsoever on that side, and those opposite should be ashamed of themselves. I table a copy of the royal commission briefing note titled “Adverse Impact of Delay in CCC Legislation”. [See paper No 1204.]
Mr J.A. McGINTY: Members opposite opposed the establishment of the royal commission and now they are trying to sabotage its initial operation. They should be ashamed of themselves. Not only were they asleep at the wheel during the finance brokers scandal, as thousands of elderly Western Australians lost their lifesavings, but also they sat back and did absolutely nothing about it. This Government has created the royal commission that dealt with the problem while the previous Government did absolutely nothing and offered no support whatsoever. The previous Government refused to amend the Anti-Corruption Commission Act that its chairman - appointed by the then Government - said was set up to fail by that Government. Those opposite have an atrocious record of dealing with corruption and white-collar crime. This is yet another chapter in their hopeless dealing with these very important matters. They are trying to sabotage the Corruption and Crime Commission before it begins. There is no leadership whatsoever on that side, and those opposite should be ashamed of themselves. I table a copy of the royal commission briefing note titled “Adverse Impact of Delay in CCC Legislation”. [See paper No 1204.]
I table a copy of the royal commission briefing note titled “Adverse Impact of Delay in CCC Legislation”. [See paper No 1204.]
[See paper No 1204.]
Explore WA Government Data
Search the full archive in the free dashboard, or query programmatically via API.
Explore more
Government Gazette
Appointments, regulatory notices, planning changes.
Hansard
Debates, questions, speeches and sentiment.
Tabled Papers
Reports and documents tabled in Parliament.
Committees
Committee profiles and recent reports.
Regulations
Subsidiary legislation with filters and summaries.
Bills
Proposed laws and parliamentary progress.
Acts
Current WA legislation and summaries.
Explanatory Memoranda
Bills with EMs (text/PDF) available.
Members
MP profiles, party breakdown and rankings.
Pollie Rankings
Data-driven rankings across 19 categories.
Amendment Chains
Track how schemes and regulations evolve over time.