Jacqui Lambie has unloaded on Scott Morrison’s government after it broke a key election promise.
Mr Morrison has broken a promise made three years ago, with plans for a federal anti-corruption watchdog sent to the scrap heap.
Attorney-General Michaelia Cash on Monday confirmed the legislation was off the agenda until after the election, prioritising the passage of religious discrimination combatting online abuse.
With only three sitting days for the Senate before the expected May election, Senator Cash said there was no time to get a federal ICAC off the ground.
“We don’t have the numbers in the Senate, so we need to negotiate … I’ve pressed (through) harder legislation in a small period. Certainly, this is important for the government,” Senator Cash told the Australian Financial Review.
“In the first instance though, the online trolls and religious discrimination are two bills the Prime Minister is fundamentally committed to. The reality is, we are headed to an election and there is limited parliamentary time.”
But Tasmanian crossbencher Jacqui Lambie has told NCA Newswire the delay had nothing to do with a limited timeframe.
“(Senator Cash) just doesn’t want to do it,” Senator Lambie said.
“Politicians are looking like the lowest of the low these days, we’re all sick of the rubbish and waste, but instead of putting come credibility into federal politics the minister’s thrown up her hands and said it’s all too hard.
“I’m not surprised that she’s looked around at all her colleagues and decided it’s too hard, but she should be honest.”
The Prime Minister first promised a federal anti-corruption body back in December 2018. Under the proposal, a commonwealth integrity commission would be established, but it would hold no public hearings and only investigate potential criminal offences.
But support for the Bill has been tepid at best, with many within xjmtzywthe government’s own ranks wanting it to beef up the body.
Simply put, without Labor’s support, the body would be dead in the water. Mr Morrison has previously indicated he would not bring it on for debate without opposition support.
“The Labor Party want a political witch-hunt with show trials. That is unacceptable,” Senator Cash said.
In the last sitting fortnight of the year, Tasmanian Liberal Bridget Archer crossed the floor to bring on debate for a stronger proposal from independent Helen Haines.
In a statement, Ms Haines warned voters would punish the government for shelving the legislation.
“For three years they have delayed, distracted and dragged their feet after promising to implement a federal integrity commission, and now that promise is broken,” the MP said.
“I know the majority of MPs who do value integrity are ready to vote on my Bill.
“There will be consequences at the ballot box for MPs who talk a big game on integrity but take no action in parliament.”
Labor frontbencher Tanya Plibersek said the decision to delay a federal ICAC was “garbage”.
“It’s been over 1000 days since Scott Morrison said he’d create a national anti-corruption commission, and since then he’s done everything to avoid one,” she said.
