Tasmania’s corruption watchdog says it has been denied access to Tasmania Police information systems, thwarting its ability to function properly.
The head of the Integrity Commission claims unclear laws are affecting its ability to “properly carry out its functions.”
Commissioner Murray Kellam, QC, says an urgent law change is needed to clarify the watchdog’s role in overseeing and monitoring Tasmania’s police force.
In the watchdog’s inaugural report, Mr Kellam says the Commission has been denied access to the information systems of Tasmania Police.
He says there has been a “difference of opinion” over the Commission’s monitoring of the use of capsicum spray, deaths or serious injuries in custody or resulting from a police pursuit.
Of the 131 complaints received in it is first nine months of operation, more than half were dismissed after an initial assessment.
Tasmania Police had the greatest number of complaints of any government agency.
The head of the committee which links the Integrity Commission to Parliament denies the legislative confusion means the watchdog is a lame duck.
Upper House Independent Jim Wilkinson expects the clarification to be before Parliament in the near future.
“One of the issues surrounding it is allowing the Commission to look at matters which are of importance to the whole of the community as far as police are concerned and I’m sure the police will be happy for that to occur as well.”
“But I can’t go into the intricacies of it because it’s still in the infancy stages.”
Police Minister David O’Byrne says the State Government will work with the Commissioner on his recommendations.
“We must make sure that we take every step to give the people confidence that the government and public agencies act appropriately.”
Yesterday on Tasmanian Times: Integrity Commission a toothless tiger. SA goes for a tiger
First published: 2011-10-27 07:24 PM
