Marshall must abstain from voting on ICAC bill amid data scandal

Steven Marshall must abstain from voting on the ICAC bill before the Parliament because of Hansard evidence the Ombudsman outlined in Parliament yesterday.

Further, any MP subject to an active inquiry or referral must abstain to ensure public confidence in the proposed changes to the ICAC Act.

The Ombudsman Wayne Lines gave evidence of potential alleged corruption, maladministration or misconduct involving the Liberal Party of SA and Office of the Premier.

In explosive evidence yesterday, the State’s Ombudsman said he had referred the matter to the Office of Public Integrity.

The scandal relates to allegations the Liberal Party has been using State Government websites to misuse people’s data for political purposes.

State Ombudsman Wayne Lines told Parliament’s Crime & Public Integrity Policy Committee:

Tom Koutsantonis: “You have found corruption, maladministration or misconduct and referred it to the OPI?”
Lines: “Yes.”
Koutsantonis: “On behalf of a political party, the Liberal Party?”
Lines: “Yes.”
 
He also confirmed he has spoken to the Department of Premier and Cabinet’s chief executive Nick Reade, who had directed his inquiries towards the Premier’s Office and the Liberal Party.

Koutsantonis: “So the department has said, 'We are not involved in
this at all. This is all coming out of a political party and the Premier's office.'”
Lines: That's my understanding, yes.”

A bill currently before Parliament will make various changes to ICAC’s powers.

Quotes attributable to Government Accountability spokesperson Tom Koutsantonis

There is no way Steven Marshall should be voting on this bill given his office has a potential conflict of interest.

His office, and the Liberal Party, are the subject of a referral by the Ombudsman to the Office for Public Integrity under the ICAC Act.

Steven Marshall should abstain, as should any MP who is currently the subject of a similar referral or inquiry.