henry cooke / Stuff
Debbie Francis and Speaker Trevor Mallard at the announcement of the bullying and harassment in the New Zealand Parliamentary Workplace Review.
Parliament will appoint a new independent commissioner for parliamentary standards in an effort to improve MPs’ behavior and accountability.
The newly created commissioner post was recommended by the damning 2019 Francis Review on parliament’s culture and MPs’ behavior. The recommendation was accepted by the Parliamentary Service Commission, a cross-party committee considering the services provided to MPs and parliament.
The new person will be able to “receive, investigate and resolve complaints about the conduct of Members of Parliament that are inconsistent with the Statements of Conduct for the Parliamentary Workplace.”
The commissioner will also compile an annual report that will keep a score of complaints and any “systemic issues” in the system.
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“This role was established as part of our commitment to improving the culture of Parliament,” said House Speaker Trevor Mallard.
“The nature of Parliament means that there are imbalances of power here, and we must keep them in check. The establishment of this role guarantees another channel through which staff can raise confidential concerns about members’ behavior. ”
The appointment will be made by the speaker for five years on the recommendation of the commission and the party leaders
“Anyone working in the parliamentary workplace will be able to escalate a confidential complaint to the Commissioner, which will be independent of all parties, the government, parliament and agencies. “The Commissioner will offer services to facilitate the resolution of the complaint or to investigate it,” Mallard said.
Accountability is a crucial part of this process, so although all complaints will be confidential and complainants can remain anonymous, the Commissioner will report each year on the number of complaints received and their outcomes, including where there are systemic issues. ”.
The ACT party was the only party to oppose the new office and defeat Mallard for what he called his “last break-in of parliamentary democracy”.
“The new commissioner will have the power to investigate MPs and publish reports about them that could cause serious damage if they do not end their careers. “No elected official should have such power over the people’s elected representatives in a democracy,” said party leader David Seymour.
“When I step out of Parliament, I want to be able to elect a representative to go to Parliament and speak on my behalf without fear. Having an unelected class of guardians standing over them undermines my right as a voter. ”