Government MPs Celia Hammond, Dave Sharma and Katie Allen (Images: AAP)

It’s been a dark week for integrity in politics — even for a government that openly despises transparency.

First the Coalition trashed a longstanding Parliamentary norm to vote against its own speaker’s recommendation for an investigation into former attorney-general Christian Porter’s donors. Then the PM dismissed an effort by independent MP Helen Haines to debate legislation that would introduce an integrity commission with teeth.

Now Haines says Porter could have been referred to the Privileges Committee had the government allowed crossbenchers to vote remotely — something the leader of the House Peter Dutton has refused to do.

“Mr Dutton is effectively blocking this opportunity … and using COVID travel restrictions as an
excuse,” she said. “It is totally unacceptable and an affront to our democracy.”

But salvation for Australia’s democracy is still possible.

Haines’ integrity commission bill is not dead yet, and represents a much tougher body than the government’s proposed one — one that would actually hold ministers to account, and deliver the kind of shock and awe of NSW ICAC.

Haines is now meeting with a handful of Coalition MPs with the hope of convincing them to cross the floor and support her proposal. This would force a debate on the issue and a vote on legislation — against the government’s wishes. 

Here are some of the MPs she’s meeting with, in case you’d like to give them a call and discuss the need for an integrity body that actually holds the government to account.

Celia Hammond 

Electoral office: (08) 9388 0288

Celia Hammond, who represents the WA seat of Curtin, not far from Christian Porter’s seat of Pearce, has said she is in favour of an integrity commission that is stronger than the government’s dud. She revealed last week she would support public hearings and was open to discussing changes to the bill with Labor and the crossbench. You might want to call and see just how strong her convictions are.

Dave Sharma

Electoral office: (02) 9327 3988

Wentworth MP Dave Sharma, who is facing pressure from a “Voices Of” campaign, has cautiously called for a stronger integrity commission — one that has slightly broader remits and does not differentiate between law enforcement, politicians and other public servants.

He reportedly met with Haines on Tuesday, but his office was zip on the discussions so far. He might, however, be open to hearing from members of his electorate or the public about the need for a strong integrity body. 

Katie Allen 

Electoral office: (03) 9822 4422

Katie Allen, member for the affluent inner-Melbourne seat of Higgins, has also called for a federal integrity commission “with teeth”. What this means is anyone’s guess really. But the Liberal stronghold seat is facing a new threat from the Greens after changes to her electoral boundary. Allen met with Haines on Wednesday and said she had an “excellent discussion” about what a different kind of integrity commission might achieve.

“It would be great to see an appropriate and effective integrity commission gain multi-partisan support to deliver a commission that balances improving trust in government with preventing it being used as a political weapon against public figures,” she told Crikey.

Bridget Archer 

Electoral office: (03) 6334 7033

Tasmanian MP and member for Bass Bridget Archer has long been on the record about her support for a “robust” integrity commission. What this means is not exactly clear. But she told Crikey she has had a number of discussions with Haines over the past year.

“I believe there must be a willingness to truly put the politics aside and work together in the interests of all Australians on this issue,” she said.

Strong words, but does she care enough about it to cross the floor? Maybe give her office a ring and find out. 

Have you contacted your MP about a federal ICAC? Let us know your thoughts by writing to letters@crikey.com.au. Please include your full name if you would like to be considered for publication in Crikey‘s Your Say column. We reserve the right to edit for length and clarity.”