“Government policy is not equivalent to party politics” Gov Senator rejects concern that language in FID Bill could allow political interference

“Government policy is not equivalent to party politics”

That is the declaration from Government Senator, Sherene Golding Campbell, during yesterday’s sitting of the Upper House.

She was reacting to concerns raised by Opposition Senators about the language in the Financial Investigation Division (FID) Amendment Act.

The concerns relate to information sharing being consistent with government policy, which the Opposition argued could allow for continued, albeit less transparent, political interference.

Golding Campbell said this is far from the truth.

She pointed out that safeguards are in place against political interference.

Despite the Opposition’s concerns, the Bill to amend the FID Act was passed.

It removes the requirement for ministerial approval for information sharing, enabling the FID’s Chief Technical Director to exchange data with local and foreign law enforcement agencies.

The amendments are expected to be given assent by the Governor General, then gazetted into law.