Thread by @cpi_aus

Public hearings fulfil important functions in corruption investigations. They are not show trials.

A thread on the important role they play:

#auspol #auslaw

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Public hearings expose corruption. Exposing corruption to the public is a core objective of integrity commissions, as corruption flourishes in the dark.

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Without public hearings, the public would only know that an investigation took place once an investigation report was tabled in Parliament, or a successful prosecution occurred, sometimes years after the fact;

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Public hearings are an effective investigation tool. During public hearings, current witnesses give new information, and new witnesses come forward with information that may be key to the investigation;

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Public hearings act as a deterrent to others that may be considering engaging in corrupt conduct;

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Public hearings ensure investigations are conducted fairly by providing public scrutiny of integrity commissions’ operations, and giving individuals a public platform to speak to allegations made against them;

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Public hearings increase public trust in government and the public sector by demonstrating to the community that allegations of corruption are being properly investigated;

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Public hearings educate the public sector about corruption, which can help prevent future corrupt conduct and encourage public servants to report allegations to the integrity commission.

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