The Tasmanian Government notes today’s Integrity Commission’s Summary Report of Investigation Tyndall which stated that there are no findings of wrongdoing.
The Integrity Commission also stated that there was no evidence that the Government attempted to pressure or influence the Regulator.
It stated that Mr Cocker, the former independent Regulator, did not act on perceived or actual pressure or influence from any person, including myself as the Attorney General and Minister, Minister Barnett or our staff, when he decided to issue a prohibition notice.
It also found we did not attempt to exercise undue influence over the Regulator in relation to the issuing of a prohibition notice.
Further, no ministerial staff failed to respect the Regulator’s independence in terms of action that could be taken by the Regulator in relation to the Bob Brown Foundation (BBF) and ongoing forestry protests, including in relation to the issuing of a prohibition notice.
It went on to state that there is nothing improper in the Government maintaining good relationships with community members who support a policy position.
The Integrity Commission operates completely independently of government and political interference under the Integrity Commission Act 2009.
This investigation was found to be yet another example of the Tasmanian Greens using the Integrity Commission for their own political purposes.
The Chief Commissioner and CEO of the Integrity Commission stated in their Annual Report (2017-18) “It is of great concern that public statements have been made by Members of Parliament about possible or actual complaints to the Integrity Commission.”
The statements made today by the Tasmanian Greens totally disregard the Integrity Commission investigation findings.
As Dr Woodruff has repeated allegations today, outside of parliamentary privilege, found by the Integrity Commission to be false, I will be considering all options available to me.