Kylea shares her week
Week 21: What we're doing to strengthen the Anti-Corruption Bill
Our democracy will only ever be as strong as our willingness as citizens to actively contribute to any debate, and just on six months into this role, the capacity for me to truly listen to the many voices of North Sydney as they discuss proposed or needed legislative reform at the national level is without a doubt the most rewarding thing I get to do on a daily basis.
In this context, debate over the Government's Nation Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) Bills 2022 will resume next week in Parliament, moving us one step closer to rebuilding trust and integrity in federal politics.
The draft bills seek to establish a federal integrity watchdog with powers to investigate and expose public sector corruption. Thanks in part to advocacy from our own community, the draft legislation proposes the Commission be overseen by a multi-partisan Parliamentary Joint Committee.
Our community has been advocating for a federal integrity commission for some time, and it is critically important we get this legislation right so Australians can trust in our politicians and political system again.
Over the past few months, I have had a number of good discussions with Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus about how the NACC could be strengthened by broadening the scope of issues it can investigate and ensuring it is transparent, accountable, and capable of meeting its objectives both now and into the future
Importantly, I’m very focused on how whatever agency is created in this moment is sustainable in the long run as I believe we must move our political operating system from one that is tossed about with each new Government.
This may require some compromise but I think it is important that we all acknowledge that we are fighting to see the creation of a body that will remain in place regardless of who has power in Government.
That's why next week, I will be proposing an amendment in parliament to strengthen the independence of the NACC and ensure it can hold all public servants to account — no matter who is in power at the time.
There will always be strong incentives for powerful interests to seek to persuade a government of the day to downgrade the effectiveness of the NACC. Strengthening the Commission's independence will help limit any undue influence. I look forward to discussing the Bills, our proposed amendment, and other important considerations in Canberra next week. Stay tuned!
Other relevant posts
week 23: Cutting vehicle emissions with our new Private Members Bill
Earlier this year, in the months before the election, I promised to develop and introduce a Private Member's Bill that would deliver better, cleaner fuel to Australians and reduce pollution from our cars. That Bill was tabled in Parliament this week.
North Sydney's Reducing Vehicle Pollution Bill will bring Australian fuel quality in line with European standards, reducing the levels of sulphur and aromatics that they can contain.
Week 22: The National Anti-Corruption Commission Bill Passes the House
With just one sitting week remaining for Parliament in 2022, the past week in Canberra has definitely been full of robust debate, constructive discussion and ultimately some landmark legislative developments.
Week 21: What we're doing to strengthen the Anti-Corruption Bill
Our democracy will only ever be as strong as our willingness as citizens to actively contribute to any debate, and just on six months into this role, the capacity for me to truly listen to the many voices of North Sydney as they discuss proposed or needed legislative reform at the national level is without a doubt the most rewarding thing I get to do on a daily basis.
week 20: Speaking out for our community on climate change
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Week 19: Getting IR Reforms Right
This week, I've been looking at the Government's 'Secure Jobs, Better Pay' Bill, a package of Industrial Relations (IR) changes that was introduced in Parliament in Budget week.
Week 18: What the Budget Means for North Sydney
This week, my team and I have been hard at work determining what the newly released Federal Budget means for North Sydney's priorities, and what needs to be done to ensure government initiatives actually deliver the changes that our community wants to see.
Every Friday
Kylea's newsletter hits the inboxes of people right across our electorate of North Sydney. Stay up to date with Kylea's plans and progress as she tells us about her week speaking with people in our community. We'll also highlight the latest community events and initiatives to get involved with.