More powers call for commission

TASMANIA’S c orruption watchdog should be given greater powers, including metadata snooping capacity, a researcher says.

The Integrity Commission is the only corruption fighting body in Australia unable to intercept metadata under the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act.

Access to metadata is considered a vital tool within law enforcement circles. In 2015-16, for instance, law enforcement bodies around the country accessed metadata 333,980 times.

Previously the Integrity Commission did have these powers.

The Act’s latest annual report shows the commission accessed metadata four times between July and October 2015 as it carried out criminal investigations. But in 2015 the Federal Government introduced new laws reducing the number of agencies able to access metadata.

The Integrity Commission was left as the only corruption watchdog in Australia unable to access the important data under the changes.

Last year, former Tasmanian Governor and Chief Justice William Cox, who was reviewing the Integrity Commission, recommended its metadata access powers be reinstated.

This followed a submission from the commission calling for the powers back.

The Australia Institute has also joined the chorus, saying corruption fighting bodies need as many tools as possible.

“Corruption is often well hidden and can only be uncovered by agencies that can compel witnesses and evidence, use search and surveillance powers, and hold public hearings,” the institute’s accountability project officer Hannah Aulby said.

“That includes the metadata (access). Tasmania’s watchdog hasn’t been given all the tools that it needs to investigate and expose corruption.”

The State Government looks unlikely to lobby the Commonwealth to expand the commission’s surveillance powers.

In its response to Mr Cox’s recommendation for metadata access under the Act, the Government remained unconvinced.

“It is not considered appropriate that the commission have access to intercepted materials and data,” it said in a statement.

“Access to such data is currently strictly limited to national security and the investigation of serious criminal matters and the Government does not favour supporting access outside of these reasons.”