2020-04-29
The Greens have called on the Prime Minister to stand down Minister Angus Taylor until he can provide a full account of a doctored document used in a media attack by his office on the Sydney Lord Mayor.
“The Prime Minister has asked Australians for their trust in recent days but he has thrown integrity overboard by his failure to act on the ongoing, multiple sagas involving Minister Taylor,” said Greens Senate Leader and spokesperson on Democracy, Senator Larissa Waters.
“Despite promising to cooperate with the police investigation, the Minister declined to be interviewed directly about where the documents originated. What does the Minister have to hide?
“The PM was quick to stand down Senator Bridget McKenzie over her role in the Sports Rorts saga, but appears unwilling to act against Minister Taylor.
“From this document saga to allegations the Minister intervened to help out his family farm and failed to properly declare his interests, there have been serious questions around Minister Taylor’s conduct for many months.
“It’s high time he was stood down as a minister until these serious allegations can be resolved.
“Australia urgently needs an independent federal corruption watchdog with teeth that can investigate integrity issues.
“No more mucking about, the Prime Minister must bring on a vote on my National Integrity Commission Bill when parliament resumes in May,” she said.