Three years ago, Scott Morrison issued a press release promising to establish a new Commonwealth Integrity Commission. The stated aim of this body was to investigate criminal corruption.
Without looking any further, we already have a problem, because most of the integrity issues we have with our government are not considered corrupt let alone criminal.
I am sure that Gladys Berejiklian is certain she has done nothing wrong.
It’s not illegal to use public funds to bolster your political standing or that of whomever of your team you may be rooting at the time.
It’s not corrupt to ignore departmental advice about cost- benefit analyses in favour of captain’s picks.
It’s not criminal to hand out contracts without tender or grants without comparative appraisal.
As Glad and Pork Barilaro, reminded us, everyone does it. The spoils of war, so to speak.
Governments are under no compulsion to show us the basis for their decisions.
Cronyism, far from being considered corrupt, is de rigueur. There are no essential criteria or merit-based selection processes about whom you appoint to positions.
Politicians who wish to attend sporting events, New Year’s Eve parties, check up on their investment properties, or go to political fundraisers, only need have their photo taken in high vis or hair net somewhere or chat to a voter to claim their expense “entitlements”. No receipts necessary. It’s all “within the rules”. Bring the family.
The bullying and intimidation detailed by multiple female Liberal MPs and Senators during the 2018 leadership spill was not considered criminal behaviour.
Threatening the preselection of members in order to influence their vote on decriminalising abortion was found to be a contempt of the Queensland Parliament but attracted no punishment.
It’s not illegal to lie in political advertising and use public money to pay for your ads.
Lobby groups and individuals can contribute as much as they want to political campaigns and parties have no rules on how much they can spend.
It’s also not illegal for the people who make the taxation laws to invest their money in offshore tax havens, family trusts, and other tax avoidance schemes.
Integrity means the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles. That sets the bar far higher than just not engaging in criminal conduct.
How many of our politicians would pass a genuine integrity test?
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