Submission to the Community Scrutiny Forum on the Integrity and Ethics Commissioner Bill 2025
Transparency International Australia welcomes the opportunity to provide a submission to the Community Scrutiny Forum on the Integrity and Ethics Commissioner Bill 2025. Given the significance and novel nature of the proposed reforms, we strongly recommend that the Bill be referred to the Legislative Scrutiny Committee for detailed examination.
In this submission, we acknowledge the issues identified in the McClintock-Hiley Review into the Structural Models for Statutory Integrity Offices. Currently three of four of the reviewed integrity agencies are operating with acting heads, there is severe under-resourcing of the agencies, persistent recruitment failures, and significant reputational damage particularly to the ICAC. Transparency International Australia's recent research, Behind Closed Doors (2025) also highlights significant gaps in the NT's regulation of lobbying and influence. These problems demand urgent attention.
We support reforms that strengthen the Northern Territory's integrity framework, rebuild public trust, and ensure independent statutory offices are adequately resourced, empowered, and protected. The Government's proposal presents an opportunity to modernise the system and restore confidence.