The exemption would allow exempted Royal Commissions to draw, or invite the drawing of, inferences or conclusions wholly or partly from anything forming part of proceedings in Parliament.This change is in response to Recommendation 7 of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide interim report, which found that parliamentary privilege was hindering its ability to inquire into government actions necessary for its investigation.
The bill should be supported because it enhances government accountability by removing barriers that prevent Royal Commissions from fully investigating and holding government bodies accountable, thereby reinforcing democratic oversight [Judgment]. Additionally, it supports the principle of equality by ensuring that no government entity or official is above scrutiny, which is essential for maintaining public trust in democratic institutions.
The bill should be opposed because it potentially undermines the foundational concept of parliamentary privilege, which exists to protect the independence of parliamentary debate and the ability of members to speak freely without fear of repercussions [Judgment]. By allowing Royal Commissions to draw conclusions from parliamentary proceedings, there is a risk of eroding this privilege, which could lead to unintended consequences in other areas of governance where privilege serves as a necessary safeguard.
2022-09-07
Before Senate
LAMBIE, Sen Jacqui; TYRRELL, Sen Tammy
Unspecified
Democratic Institutions, National Security, Defence