Special Minister of State Gary Gray said today that the former Ombudsman was “singularly inappropriate” to allege the government was “dragging its feet” in establishing a Parliamentary Integrity Commissioner.
The former Ombudsman reportedly told The Australian that he believed the government was turning a blind eye to issues of corruption in either the federal public service or amongst members of parliament.
“It is singularly inappropriate for him to make such unfounded allegations,” Mr Gray said. “If he has any evidence of official corruption he should detail exactly what allegation he is making. As a former Ombudsman, he should be aware that there are proper processes for raising these allegations.
“In relation to the public service, ethical behaviour is a cornerstone of any quality public administration.
“Data from the most recently published Australian Public Service Commissioner’s State of the Service Report shows that of around 151,000 ongoing APS employees, only 33 were determined to have committed fraud and eight to have committed theft. As a percentage of employees, this amounts to 0.02 per cent and 0.005 per cent respectively. Existing detection and response mechanisms are demonstrably working.
“The Australian Government takes all fraud and corruption allegations very seriously, and is determined that all appropriate measures are taken to ensure that public funds are spent properly and accountably. “
Mr Gray said the former Ombudsman resigned on October 20 after he admitted failing to meet the high standards required of the office.
“He expressed deep regret for damaging community confidence in the integrity of his office and that should really be the end of the matter.”
Mr Gray said he was concerned that The Australian suggested the Government had delayed in introducing a Parliamentary Integrity Commissioner.
“In fact, the government early in 2011 provided a reference to privileges committees in the Senate and House of Representatives to advise on a code of conduct for MPs. There have been extensions of time granted to the all-party committees to allow their work to be completed. One committee already has reported and the Senate committee will report in May.”