Statement by the Hon. Ann Vanstone QC
Independent Commissioner Against Corruption

Shortly after commencing in the role of Independent Commissioner Against Corruption, I announced that I would continue the investigation launched by my predecessor, the Hon. Bruce Lander QC, into claims made by a small number of Members of Parliament for the Country Members Accommodation Allowance.

Additionally, Mr Lander required the Office for Public Integrity to examine claims for the allowance by all Members of Parliament over the last 10 years. The Office for Public Integrity commenced by requesting information relating to claims by serving Members of the House of Assembly.

At the same time my investigation has continued in respect of the small number of Members of Parliament.

I have considered the material collected by the Office for Public Integrity.  Given that the information provided so far does not reveal evidence of misconduct, I have decided not to widen those inquiries to other Members of Parliament.

Due to the publicity that these matters have attracted, I think it is in the public interest that where I have reached a view on the information currently available to me that there will be no further inquiry or investigation of a particular Member, I should say so publicly.  Because of the confidentiality provisions of the Independent Commissioner Against Corruption Act 2012, the individuals concerned are not permitted to do so; although in each relevant case the Member has been advised of the outcome.

Members of Parliament whose claims for the Allowance will not be subject to further inquiry or investigation are:

• The Hon. David Basham MP
• The Hon. Geoffrey Brock MP
• Mr Edward Hughes MP
• Mr Stephan Knoll MP
• Mr Nicholas McBride MP
• Mr Adrian Pederick MP JP
• Mr Peter Treloar MP
• The Hon. Daniel van Holst Pellekaan MP
• Mr Timothy Whetstone MP

My investigation of claims made by several Members is continuing.

No conclusion ought to be drawn in respect of the conduct of persons who I have not named today.

I will provide a further update when it is appropriate to do so.

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For media enquiries please contact 0428 389 493 or media@icac.sa.gov.au
The publication of this information has been authorised by the Independent Commissioner under section 56 of the Independent Commissioner Against Corruption Act 2012.

Related Downloads:
ICAC Public Statement - 15 October 2020