Integrity forms approved

The Senate last night approved the Prescribed Forms and Regulations to effect the Integrity in Public Life Act 2000, paving the way for public officials to declare their assetts in 2004 for the year 2003. If the House of Representatives follow’s suit, officials will declare their assets to the Integrity Commission for the first time since they filed in 2000 for 1999.

Further, Senators also approved the report of parliamentary joint select committee on integrity which strongly recommends that the Integrity Act itself be amended for declarations to have to be made retroactively to the year 1999. Opposition Senator Wade Mark had unsuccesfully moved an amendment to upgrade this retroactivity from being one of the report’s “deliberations” to being a “recommendation.” Attorney General John Jeremie, wrapping up the debate, said the Senate was not empowered to change a report of a joint select committee, and was supported by Independent Senator Dr Eastlyn McKenzie.