House Chairperson,
The ACDP welcomes this report and commends the Joint Committee on Ethics and Member’s Interest on this review which is much needed given the allegations that we have dealt with in this last Parliament.
We also share the views of my colleague who indicated that in the eyes of the public we have lost a lot of our reputation in Parliament due to disruptions and due to other issues, not withstanding the fact that we have worked very, very hard and done a lot of good work.
But if one sees in this Code of Conduct that it sets out minimum standards of ethical conduct relating to a member must not accept any reward benefit or gift from any person or body, surely it stands that one should know when you stand for Parliament you should adhere to certain moral principles, and it would be interesting for the members of the public to take this into consideration when they are voting for candidates in this coming election.
Principle number one is selflessness. One must take decisions solely in terms of the public interest and without regard to personal financial or other material benefits.
Another principle is Integrity, steadfastly avoiding placing themselves under any financial other obligation to any outside individual or organisation when this creates a conflict.
Objectivity, in carrying out public business making public appointments, etc.
Openness: members should be as open as possible about all decisions. There’s an obligation for openness and transparency and honesty — Members must declare public interests.
So, these are very strict requirements for us, honesty and integrity, and as the ACDP, we stand as I mentioned earlier, for good stewardship of state resources and for servant-leadership, and we present such candidates. Vote for the ACDP on the 29th of May.
But I do want to just say that the ACDP commends the House on the passing of this report which will improve the Candidates and the Members of Parliament for the next Parliament.
I thank you.
