24th Nov 2022, 11:46 AM – Representatives National Anti-Corruption Commission Bill 2022 - Consideration in Detail - Translator and support services

The majority voted in favour of a motion to disagree with amendments (1) to (3) introduced by Fowler MP Dai Le (Independent), which means they failed.

What did the amendment do?

Ms Le explained that:

The amendments I have risen to move will do the following: increase cooperation between the commission and individuals of multicultural backgrounds; and assist those with language barriers to be fully understood and also to clearly communicate with the commission. Amendment (1) will ensure translation and interpretation services are available to Australians who require them. It means the commission will need to provide contact details for translator services in a situation where there is a language barrier. This amendment will ensure that is followed through to summons and the commission's investigative processes. Amendments (2) and (3) will ensure the commission will provide individuals with appropriate mental health resources and support through the commission process. Being called in front of an integrity commission can be daunting, can be shocking and can lead to suicide—and it has led to suicides. I want to ensure that, when the commission is established, investigating corruption is not at the cost of life, especially a life who was not corrupt or may have never been found corrupt.

Read more about the bill in its bills digest.

Amendment text

(1) Clause 63, page 64 (line 10), at the end of subclause (4), add:

; and (c) include contact details for translator services.

(2) Page 65 (after line 19), after clause 66, insert:

66A Services that must be provided to persons appearing at hearings

(1) The Commissioner must cause the following to be provided to a person who appears at a hearing:

(a) appropriate translation services during the hearing;

(b) mental health counselling and support services, provided by an appropriately qualified social support worker or health care professional (the treatment provider).

(2) If, under paragraph (1)(b), a person is provided with a counselling or support service by a treatment provider, neither the person nor the treatment provider is required to do anything under this Act that would disclose any statement made or any information given as part of the counselling or support service.

(3) Clause 73, page 68 (line 30), at the end of subclause (3), add:

; (f) whether a person giving evidence has a reasonable level of English language proficiency;

(g) the need for cultural sensitivity if the person giving evidence is from a non-English speaking background.