The NSW government and the state’s gaming watchdog have little choice but to let Star Entertainment keep its Pyrmont casino open, corporate governance experts say, despite an inquiry hearing evidence of widespread failures at the group. Speaking ahead of the likely release of the Bell Review into Star on Tuesday, some experts believed there may… Read More
IBAC committee brawls amid claims of ‘interference’ from Andrews’ office
The group of state MPs who oversee Victoria’s corruption watchdog have turned on each other amid claims Premier Daniel Andrews’ office directed a politically charged statement that took a swipe at the agency. Veteran Liberal MP and former treasurer Kim Wells has accused Andrews’ office of “direct political interference” into the Integrity and Oversight Committee,… Read More
Law Society of SA calls for ICAC review over concerns rushed legislation fails the pub test
South Australian lawyers say “hurried” anti-corruption laws allow public officials convicted of certain crimes to charge taxpayers for their legal fees, and parliament’s handling of the laws “fails the pub test”. Last week, an ABC exclusive report outlined the implications of a little-understood change to the state’s Independent Commissioner Against Corruption (ICAC) Act. The legislation… Read More
Victorian government under pressure from Greens, opposition to speed up integrity reforms
The Victorian government is under pressure to speed up promised integrity reforms, following a scathing report detailing “extensive” misconduct by its MPs. The Operation Watts investigation — a joint probe between the state’s ombudsman and the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) — uncovered rampant nepotism and the widespread misuse of public resources within the Victorian… Read More
Calls for probe into Tasmanian political grants, amid revelation club where Liberal family member is treasurer wins $50k
An integrity expert has called for an independent inquiry into the Tasmanian Liberal Party’s use of a controversial grants fund during the 2021 election campaign, arguing millions of dollars of taxpayer money may have been misappropriated. The Liberals established the Local Communities Facilities Fund as an election promise, and a “Liberal Party Policy team” internally… Read More
Voters care about integrity – the Andrews government should pay heed
The message could not have been clearer at the last federal election. Voters do not see integrity, transparency and the misuse of public funds for political purposes as esoteric topics for think tank discussion groups, but fundamental issues that go to the heart of good government.
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Siblings’ planning ties highlight flaws in lobbying laws
Lobbying is an undeniable reality of government decision-making in Australia, and the OECD has recognised that it can make a valuable contribution to the democratic process. It also cautions, however, that lobbying can lead to “undue influence, unfair competition and regulatory capture to the detriment of the public”.
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The minister and the lobbyist: Blandthorn siblings face conflict questions
Premier Daniel Andrews’ appointment of new Planning Minister Lizzie Blandthorn has raised conflict-of-interest questions due to her lobbyist brother representing major development, construction and infrastructure clients. In an appointment that has unsettled some senior government and Labor insiders, the premier named Pascoe Vale MP Blandthorn to the sensitive planning role. Her brother, John-Paul Blandthorn, heads… Read More
Liberal MP was ‘patron’ of Queensland gun club for which he claimed to have ‘secured’ $20,000 grant
Ross Vasta says he had ‘no decision-making power over the process or the outcome’ in grant to Belmont Branch of the Sporting Shooters Association A Liberal MP said that he “secured” a $20,000 grant for a gun club which lists him as its patron, raising questions about whether he should have disclosed his links to… Read More
SA government denies pork-barrelling accusations on sports grants, amid broader national discussion over the practice
Written by Rory McClaren. Originally published by the ABC on June 26 2022. In politics, making good on election commitments should be thought of as core business. But how those promises are created, then delivered, in government can be a minefield for politicians of all political persuasions. From commuter cark parks by the Federal Coalition… Read More
John Barilaro’s New York trade job may be completely above board, but it needs scrutiny
all these questions may be answered in favour of the Barilaro appointment. However from the integrity perspective, they need to be addressed and answered with the utmost openness clarity and transparency. Read More
Ibac frenzy exposes a wide divide between Victorian and federal Liberals
More public hearings would undeniably stop speculation from running wild. How that balance can be achieved is a matter that Liberals must grapple with at both the state and federal levels. Read More
Albanese challenges PM on federal corruption watchdog amid $55b grant concerns
Written by Finbar O’Mallon and originally published on 7news.com.au on 19 April 2022 Scott Morrison says he’ll only introduce his highly criticised model for a federal anti-corruption body if Labor promises to let it through unchanged. Labor leader Anthony Albanese has promised to legislate a federal anti-corruption commission by the end of the year if… Read More