The Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards March 2012

The seven principles of public life selflessness integrity objectivity accountability openness honesty leadership

The current Commissioner John Lyon Appointed for five years (non-renewable) Independent of the House Work overseen by the Committee, but not directed

Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards: Functions To maintain the Registers To provide confidential advice to Members To advise the Committee on Standards and Privileges To monitor the Code and Registers To investigate breaches of the rules

The Registers Members’ interests Members’ staff Journalists All party groups

The Code of Conduct Examples of the rules Resolving conflicts of interest; Outlining bribery; Preventing paid advocacy (a form of lobbying) Proper use of expenses, allowances, facilities and services Requirement to register and declare interests Not bring House into disrepute The Code of Conduct

Investigating Complaints

Complaints Statistics 2002-03 52 complaints received; 24 accepted for inquiry 2009-10 317 complaints received; 72 accepted for inquiry 2010-11 115 complaints received; 12 accepted for inquiry

The Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards March 2012