Vicki Dunne MLA

Speaker of the Legislative Assembly for the ACT

MEDIA RELEASE

14 February 2014

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY APPOINTS COMMISSIONER FOR STANDARDS

The Honourable Dr K J Crispin QC has been appointed the inaugural Legislative Assembly Commissioner for Standards, the Speaker of the ACT Legislative Assembly, Mrs Vicki Dunne MLA, announced today.

“We are very fortunate to be able to appoint someone of Dr Crispin’s calibre into this new role,“ Mrs Dunne said.

The Honourable Dr Ken Crispin QC commenced his career in law in 1973, and has a long and particular interest in ethical standards, especially in the areas of law and government. His career has included positions as Supreme Court judge, Director of Public Prosecutions, and chair of the ACT Law Reform Commission. He has a strong background in consultation and negotiation across the judiciary, government and the community. He has a reputation as an impartial arbiter, an important element in this new role.

The role was created following a resolution of the Assembly on 31 October.

In accordance with the resolution, the Commissioner for Standards is independent and responsible for investigating specific complaints referred by the Speaker or Deputy Speaker, including possible breaches of the Members’ Code of Conduct. The Commissioner is required to report findings from investigations to the Standing Committee on Administration and Procedure.

The Committee will review the operation of the position after two years, following this initial appointment.

ENDS