The Albanese government heads into its first parliamentary session next week promising to deliver its election promises. This is laudable. The devil will be in the detail. And devil is the right word when it comes to the details of the promised integrity commission. There is a blindingly obvious rot at the centre of the… Read More
Stronger safeguards around lobbying are a must
In any democracy, lobbying is a vital component of the political process, ensuring that varied interest groups can make their case on specific issues to elected officials. It is a source of reforms to policy, from neighbourhood planning to our response to global issues such as climate change.
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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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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
Media release – Sharpening the watchdogs teeth
urrently, however, the ability of the IBAC to fulfil its mandated functions is hampered by undue limitations on both its jurisdiction and the use of its investigative powers. I 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
ABC: Lawyer X prosecutions doubtful due to lack of resources for ‘mammoth task’, Victorian anti-corruption body IBAC says
Originally published on the 18th of September by Sarah Farnsworth at the ABC Victoria’s anti-corruption watchdog has expressed serious doubt about whether any criminal charges will flow from the Lawyer X scandal. The royal commission into the scandal is considering whether individual police officers have committed criminal offences by using gangland barrister Nicola Gobbo against… Read More