ACT Liberal MLA Mark Parton has escalated the dispute over a rule change at Phillip Pool by referring the matter to the ACT Integrity Commission. The referral alleges that the decision to alter pool usage rules may have involved corrupt conduct, including undisclosed conflicts of interest.
Background of the rule change
The controversy centers on a decision by the ACT government to modify access rules at the Phillip Pool, a publicly funded facility. The change, implemented in early 2025, restricted certain community groups from using the pool during peak hours, sparking backlash from local residents and swim clubs. The government defended the move as necessary to manage overcrowding and ensure equitable access.
Parton's allegations
In a statement released on Wednesday, Parton said he had lodged a formal complaint with the Integrity Commission, citing concerns about the process behind the rule change. “There are serious questions about how this decision was made and whether it was influenced by private interests,” Parton said. “The community deserves transparency, and the Integrity Commission is the appropriate body to investigate.”
Parton claimed that documents obtained under freedom of information laws revealed that a government official with ties to a private swim school had lobbied for the restrictions. He argued that this potential conflict of interest was not disclosed during the consultation process.
Government response
A spokesperson for the ACT government rejected the allegations, stating that the rule change was based on “thorough analysis of usage data and community feedback.” The spokesperson added that the process was “transparent and followed standard procedures.” However, they declined to comment further while the matter was before the Integrity Commission.
Impact on the community
The rule change has divided the local community. Supporters argue it has reduced congestion and improved safety, while opponents claim it unfairly targets recreational swimmers and families. “This pool is a vital community asset, and decisions about its use should be made in the open, not behind closed doors,” said Sarah Thompson, a regular user of the facility.
The Integrity Commission has confirmed receipt of Parton's referral and said it will assess whether to launch a formal investigation. The commission noted that it can only investigate matters that fall within its jurisdiction, which includes allegations of misconduct by public officials.
