Christie wants Parliament to review 'gag clause' in IC Act

By Clinton McGregor    

 

Executive Director of the Integrity Commission Greg Christie believes the Joint Select Committee of Parliament reviewing the Integrity Commission Act, should consider removing the clause which prohibits Members of the House of Representatives, under investigation, from making public statements on their case.

 

The issue of the so called 'gag clause' was raised on Tuesday during a meeting of Integrity Commission Oversight Committee of Parliament.

 

There were questions about whether MPs would be in contravention of the law if they speak on the investigation.

 

Chairman of the Integrity Commission, Retired Justice Seymour Panton, said members accused of illicit enrichment or any other offences should be able to make public statements.

 

His views were shared by Mr. Christie, who argued that the current clause in the IC Act is causing confusion among the public.

 

Mr. Christie questioned the intent of the clause, querrying whether it was meant to prevent members of the commission from speaking on a matter while it is under investigator, and whether it was also intended to extend as far as to the person who is the subject of the matter. 

 

"It stands to reason that the chairman is correct in his assessment in terms of what makes sense, what was the purpose of the provision. This is another matter that I think should go to the Joint Select Committee of Parliament, if you should so determine. And again I repeat, it's our lawmakers who make the law. They're not infallible, and this is why we have processes like this, review processes. We're not infallible either," he argued. 

 

Eight members of the House of Representatives are under investigation for alleged illicit enrichment.