The Case for a Federal ICAC
Trust in government has never been so low. This crisis in public confidence is driven by the widespread perception that politics is corrupt and politicians and government have failed to be accountable. The sports rorts and the travel expenses rorts are just two major scandals that have again led to calls for a federal independent integrity commission.
It is not just the big scandals that eat away at our trust and faith in politicians and the system. It is the near daily stories of appalling behaviour – be it broken promises, grants that don’t comply with the rules, the cavalier and unaccountable spending of taxpayers’ money, the ex-politicians who take up jobs in apparent defiance of the rules, the conflicts of interest, the outright porkies and the jobs for the boys – that constantly chip away at our trust in politicians.
Below are a number of stories highlighting political misconduct over the past several years. Few have been investigated, even fewer properly investigated. None have been prosecuted. QED – Quod Erat Demonstrandum – “so it has been demonstrated”. This compilation of allegations is, in itself, hard proof that Australia needs a federal corruption commission to hold government to account!
This page will be calling out all behaviour that fails the pub test because all these examples of poor conduct in public life paint a powerful picture of the apparent contempt in which many politicians hold their employers, the Australian public, the very people who pay their salaries.
We’ll keep adding to the list. If you have something, to add, please get in touch.
The Case for a Federal ICAC
Trust in government has never been so low. This crisis in public confidence is driven by the widespread perception that politics is corrupt and politicians and government have failed to be accountable. The sports rorts and the travel expenses rorts are just two major scandals that have again led to calls for a federal independent integrity commission.
Below are a number of stories highlighting political misconduct over the past several years. Few have been investigated, even fewer properly investigated. None have been prosecuted. QED – Quad Erat Demonstrandum, – “so it has been demonstrated”. This compilation of allegations is, in itself, hard proof that Australia needs a federal corruption commission to hold government to account!
This page will also be calling out all behaviour that fails the pub test. Whether it’s giving grants that don’t comply with the rules, the cavalier and unaccountable spending of taxpayers’ money, jobs for the boys, or telling outright porkies, to name just a few examples, this conduct paints a powerful picture of the apparent contempt in which many politicians hold their employers, the Australian public.
We’ll keep adding to the list. If you have something, to add, please get in touch.
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QED Featured Stories
Sports rorter Bridget McKenzie back on the front bench courtesy of Barnaby Joyce
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 is back – questions about his conduct remain
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.
QED travel rorts: it’s not just the misuse of money. We have a right to answers.
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.
Federal ICAC calls: lack of transparency leads to unethical behaviour
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.
QED proves the need for a federal ICAC, but also a broken culture
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.
Launching QED: The case for a federal ICAC
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.
