2023-02-09
Thursday 9 February 2023
Senator Shoebridge will speak on this matter in the Senate at 1.30pm today
The Greens have today given notice of a bill that would create a power for the removal of access to lucrative entitlements by former Governors-General where they are found to have engaged in serious misconduct.
The ability to remove entitlements exists for all other similar offices, whether MP’s, judges or other senior public officials. It is an accountability gap that must be closed for Governors- General.
The need for this has been highlighted this week as former Governor-General Peter Hollingworth has finally faced an Anglican church inquiry into serious allegations of his mishandling of child sexual abuse claims against the church while Archbishop. The inquiry is looking into his response to child sexual abuse victims while Archbishop of Brisbane as well as his comments about victims of child sexual abuse during his time as Governor-General.
Lines attributable to Greens Senator for NSW David Shoebridge:
“This is about accountability. This is an extraordinarily generous pension and set of entitlements and that must come with some serious accountability.
“No one, whatever their current or former role, is entitled to a blank cheque payable each year by the public regardless of their conduct.
“Today, on behalf of the Greens, I’m giving notice of a bill that will provide that accountability for former Governors-General, by allowing for the removal of their entitlements if they have engaged in serious misconduct.
“We have seen how politicised the office of the Governor-General can be and it is an appropriate response to seek to ensure this office is not above the law and basic decency.
“The Anglican Church inquiry into former Governor General Peter Hollingworth will conclude this week so it’s timely to have this bill ready to close this accountability loophole.
“Many victims and survivors of abuse have asked me to make this move, and I’m grateful to them for their continuing advocacy for justice, and their continuing belief that the political system will respond to their calls,” Senator Shoebridge said.
Background:
The Bill being presented by Senator Shoebridge mirrors a Bill first presented by former Greens Senator Rachel Siewert in 2019. That Bill did not progress to a vote in the last Parliament.
Former Governors-General receive a $357 000-a-year pension, plus travel and office expenses (estimated at a total cost of $600 000 a year total). Hollingworth served only 18 months as Governor-General and then resigned after a public outcry over his handling of child sexual abuse claims in the Anglican Church.
In the two decades since his exiting the office of Governor General, Hollingworth has received millions of dollars in payments and entitlements. In just the five years from FY2016/17 to FY2020/21 he received in excess of $3 million of benefits." Shoebridge said.