Gibraltar Government Introduces Anti-Corruption Authority Bill

In a significant step towards increasing public accountability and transparency in Gibraltar, the government has published a bill establishing an independent Anti-Corruption Authority for the territory.

A Crucial Measure for Transparency and Accountability

The move is seen as a crucial measure to create a modern regulatory framework in all areas of public responsibility. The bill outlines the authority’s composition, duties, powers, and functions, as well as its immunities and protections, conflict of interest provisions, confidentiality, and powers to issue guidance and cooperate with other domestic authorities.

Key Features of the Bill

• Composition: The authority will be composed of a chairperson, who will be appointed by the Chief Minister, and at least two other members.
• Duties and Powers: The authority will have the power to investigate any corrupt conduct listed in the schedule, including fraud by abuse of position, bribery, misconduct in public office, and cheating the public revenue.
• Immunities and Protections: The bill includes protection measures for persons who assist the authority with investigations, including employment protection and provision for offences where reports and investigations are not dealt with properly.

Chief Minister’s Commitment to Reform

Chief Minister Fabian Picardo described the move as part of the government’s commitment to reform standards in public life. “This Government has embarked on a deep reform of standards in Public Life,” he said. “The publication of this Bill is but the next step on this journey which already includes the milestones of the publication of the first Ministerial Code in our history and more openness to tender awards and to the Development & Planning Commission process.”

A Long Time Coming

The bill has been a long time coming, with initial commitments made in 2011 to publish and implement it. Picardo emphasized that the government will continue to lead on these issues, delivering more transparency and accountability than ever before.

Next Steps

Following an investigation, the matter can be referred from the authority to the Royal Gibraltar Police, which will then use its full range of powers and expertise to bring the matter to justice. This allows the authority to concentrate on its own initial investigations without duplicating resources with the RGP.

Minister for Justice Samantha Sacramento expressed satisfaction at the progress made. “Our Government has an excellent track record of working towards implementing reforms to deliver more transparency and provide even more robust anti-corruption structures in public life,” she said.