Get the appTasmanian Labor says it will introduce a bill to cap how much anyone can spend in a state election. Labor Leader Josh Willie and Shadow Attorney-General Ella Haddad made the announcement. The party says many Tasmanians feel the system is not working for them.
Infrastructure Minister Catherine King has confirmed that Labor's party office helped decide which electorates were eligible for funding from a $560 million invite-only grants program. She described the process as political and said it is handled through party machinery rather than government machinery. Liberal frontbencher Ted O'Brien said the claim needs to be investigated. An analysis found that roughly 73 per cent of funds for 220 projects went to Labor electorates. A Senate inquiry is due to report in mid-November.
Former Labor Attorney-General Robert McClelland has been recommended as the next National Anti-Corruption Commissioner. He will replace Paul Brereton, who resigned in May amid conflicts-of-interest concerns. Christopher Savundra has been recommended as deputy commissioner. Attorney-General Michelle Rowland said both were chosen through a merit-based selection process. The parliamentary committee unanimously approved the appointments. The five-year terms are proposed to begin on 11 January 2027.
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Get the appIndependent MP Helen Haines was hit by a car on Monday in what Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described as an attack and a deliberate act. Albanese said Haines is someone of integrity who treats everyone with respect. Haines, the member for the north-eastern Victorian electorate of Indi, has long championed integrity and rural health. She was a key figure in establishing the National Anti-Corruption Commission. Politicians across the parliament, including opposition leader Angus Taylor, expressed shock and support for her.
Former Labor MP Robert McClelland has been appointed National Anti-Corruption Commissioner, replacing Paul Brereton, who resigned two years before his term ended. Justice McClelland has been a Family Court judge since 2015 and was previously attorney-general under prime ministers Kevin Rudd and Julia Gillard. Christopher Savundra, a former Australian Securities and Investments Commission executive director, will serve as deputy commissioner. Both take office in January 2027. Attorney-General Michelle Rowland said the selection process was open, competitive and merit-based, and the parliamentary oversight committee approved both appointments unanimously.
Former Labor attorney general and federal court judge Robert McClelland has been named the new boss of the National Anti-Corruption Commission. Attorney General Michelle Rowland said he was chosen through an open, merit-based selection process. Christopher Savundra has been appointed deputy commissioner. Both will begin five-year terms on 11 January next year, subject to approval by the governor general. The appointments follow the resignation of Paul Brereton, who quit in May amid criticism of his performance. Independent MP Helen Haines said the appointments offer a chance to rebuild public confidence.