✦ Plain-English Summary

ACT Integrity Commission Powers Bill 2020

What it does

The ACT (Canberra) can now create laws to investigate corruption and integrity issues involving the Australian Federal Police who operate in the territory. Previously, the ACT wasn't allowed to make these kinds of laws because the Australian Federal Police are a federal agency. This change removes that restriction.

Why it matters

Canberrans will have local oversight of how federal police conduct themselves in their jurisdiction. If there are concerns about AFP behaviour or corruption, the territory now has the legal power to investigate rather than being blocked by federal law limits.

Key details

• What changed: A single sentence was added to the Australian Capital Territory (Self-Government) Act 1988 creating an exception to the ACT's usual powers
• When it started: The day after the bill received Royal Assent (essentially immediately)
• Who benefits: ACT residents and the territory's integrity institutions, particularly the ACT Integrity Commission

Official Description

Amends the Australian Capital Territory (Self-Government) Act 1988 to allow the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Legislative Assembly to make laws relating to the Australian Federal Police's (AFP) provision of police services, where those laws relate to the investigation of integrity and corruption with respect to AFP services provided for the ACT.

No formal division recorded

This bill passed by voice vote — parliament agreed without calling a formal count. A division is only recorded when a member explicitly requests one.

No votes yet.

No votes were recorded for this bill.