Walwyn urges caution in ROI bill changes for public servants

Sixth District Representative Myron Walwyn has urged Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley to use caution in his approach to a new amendment to the Register of Interests (ROI) Act that now impacts public servants and their families.

Premier Wheatley told lawmakers that the Register of Interests (Amendment) Act 2024 proposes three significant changes to the original Register of Interests Act of 2006. First, it aims to make the register more accessible to the public by eliminating the fee required to view it, addressing concerns that it was burdensome and counterproductive to transparency.

Secondly, it controversially expands the scope of those required to declare their interests, including senior public officers from grades 19 to 21, Department Heads, and Deputy Secretaries.

However, the Premier pointed out that the information about these public officers in the register will remain confidential, accessible only to the Governor and Deputy Governor. Further, the amendment facilitates the reporting of integrity concerns regarding individuals obliged to declare their interests to the Integrity Commission, further strengthening the framework for ethical governance.

But Walwyn pointed to a letter from the Civil Service Association shared by the Premier in the House of Assembly and questioned whether the concerns shared had been addressed.

In the letter, the Association underscored the importance of further consultations and the provision of comprehensive guidance to ensure those affected can comply with the Act effectively and without adverse consequences. It highlighted the constitutional right to privacy for civil servants and their families, advocating for measures that only derogate from this right when justified.

The Association suggested several actionable steps to facilitate this process, including clear guidelines on disclosure, privacy protections for sensitive information, the establishment of support mechanisms, a phase-in period for the new requirements, and continuous dialogue to address any concerns.

The Association also expressed its willingness to collaborate closely with authorities to refine the Act, ensuring it aligns with the highest standards of ethics and integrity within the civil service. The Association added that it anticipated further discussions to optimise the Act’s implementation.

Premier Wheatley said the issues shared by the Association could be addressed administratively in the HOA’s committee stage (a session closed to the public) but Walwyn accused the Premier of minimising the concerns of the affected civil servants.

“I sat here and listened to the Premier read out a plethora of concerns that were raised by the Civil Service Association only now to turn around and minimise them because he wants to tick his box so that the UK can feel good,” Walwyn said.

The amendments are largely driven by the Commission of Inquiry report, which recommended greater transparency concerning the interests of lawmakers and senior public servants.