Bridget McKenzie was forced to resign in February 2020 after the “sports rorts” affair but, as are the ways of the National Party, misdeeds are quickly forgotten if you back the right leader at the right time. So just like her good buddy, recently resurrected National Party Leader Barnaby Joyce, McKenzie is back on the Coalition government front bench as Minister for Regionalisation, Regional education and Regional Communications.
Barnaby Joyce proves that a history of questionable conduct, pork barrelling and shady dealings with water rights is no obstacle to National Party leadership. Here are “six of the best” from our QED database. QED demonstrates the crying need for a Federal ICAC.
Our QED database includes dozens of examples of dubious travel claims made by politicians. But what is more concerning than the apparent inappropriate use of public funds is the MPs’ lack of accountability and their arrogant treatment of the fourth estate – the journalists holding power to account. Elizabeth Minter reports.
We are all much more likely to do the right thing when we know we are being watched. Our elected representatives are no different. And when they continue to not just get away with deceitful behaviour, but are rewarded for it, our democracy suffers. Transparency is the only solution.
When we launched QED, the aim was to create a strong narrative to call for a federal anti-corruption commission, or independent commission against corruption (ICAC). As of today we have published over 70 stories. Collectively, they reveal more than “just” dubious behaviour often bordering on corrupt; they point to a culture that is fundamentally flawed.
Before the Covid-19 pandemic hit, trust in government had reached its lowest level on record, according to a major study conducted by The Australian National University. Just 25% of Australians said they had confidence in their political leaders and institutions.
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