Editorial: Premier fails the test on Coaldrake integrity reforms

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk’s failure to implement the recommendations of Peter Coaldrake’s integrity report “lock, stock and barrel” is pathetic, writes the editor.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk’s decision to turn her back on her own commitment to implementing “lock, stock and barrel” every one of the recommendations made by last year’s Coaldrake review into public sector culture is pathetic.

Her failure to implement in full the recommended “clearing house” system that would triage and then direct complaints about public sector corruption and decisions is a win for those wanting to use the complexities of the existing system as a roadblock to justice.

And it is a loss for those brave would-be whistleblowers who find it all but impossible to navigate the complexities of the current system, and are left baffled, frustrated – and sometimes mentally broken – by endless referrals and delays to complaints made in good faith.

The review by Professor Peter Coaldrake presciently warned that this idea of a single clearing house would be “strongly resisted” within the public service.

It therefore needed a premier committed enough to real change to demand it happen. Sadly, this was not the case, with Ms Palaszczuk instead accepting a compromise of a web form – a “virtual mailbox” as the Opposition rightly calls it.

Beyond the practical result of something Prof Coaldrake deemed as necessary not being pursued, this decision also signals to the public sector that this administration is not fully committed to improving culture and accountability.

And that goes to the very core of what Coaldrake warned of: that the culture is “from the top down, not meeting public expectations”.

MATILDAS CAPTURE AUSSIE HEARTS

Australia has rightly fallen in love with the mighty Matildas. They are a class act in every way.

The team’s stunning display of football prowess on Monday night – nailing a convincing 2-0 win over Denmark to secure a coveted spot in the top eight of the FIFA Women’s World Cup – is only part of the story.

Their professionalism, humility and no-nonsense approach to getting the job done speak volumes about this crop of star athletes.

Notably, there is a refreshing absence of the grubby behaviour that so often mars sport, particularly football codes, but rather a deep respect for each other – and their opponents.

Sports people are frequently described as role models, but whether or not they deserve the accolade depends very much on their actions, both on and off the field.

The Matildas continue to prove they are worthy of hero status – serving as an inspiration to not only girls but to all kids, and indeed all people. They show you can be great but grounded, individually brilliant but stronger as a team.

When captain Sam Kerr was ruled out of playing Australia’s first two games due to injury late last month, the team didn’t crumble. It came together with more determination and fire than ever.

It showed on Monday night and it showed last week when Kerr said after the team trounced Canada: “The girls smashed it; they didn’t need me.”

Women’s sport used to be the poor cousin – attendance numbers were low and television stations refused to broadcast games.

Soccer, itself, was considered a lesser code, in this country at least.

But our national women’s football team has flipped the tables on both of these things.

The Matildas obliterated attendance records at Sydney’s Stadium Australia, with the ninth-largest women’s football crowd of all time and the highest ever in this country.

The official figure was 75,784 (the FIFA-sanctioned capacity) but word is the unofficial figure was greater.

The team’s victory reached 6.54 million viewers on Seven and 7plus, with an average audience during the game of 3.56 million – eclipsing last year’s AFL and NRL grand finals, and closing in on the 3.6 million viewers who tuned in to watch Ash Barty win the Australian Open.

Suncorp Stadium is already sold out on Saturday when the Matildas bring their magic back to Brisbane in the quarter-finals.

It’s the hottest ticket in town – and a superb showcase for all the capital city has to offer.

If previous crowds are anything to go by, Matilda fans will be passionate but well-behaved – something else for which the team can take credit by setting that example themselves.

The success of the Matildas has not only put women’s soccer on our national sporting map but it also mirrors other great achievements in women’s sport.

Our netballers, the Diamonds, took out the World Cup on the weekend and for the 12th time, and our women’s cricket team clinched the Ashes in July.

As the Matildas get set for their most important clash so far, it must be said that whatever the outcome on Saturday, they are already winners – where it matters most.

Responsibility for election comment is taken by Chris Jones, corner of Mayne Rd & Campbell St, Bowen Hills, Qld 4006. Printed and published by NEWSQUEENSLAND (ACN 009 661 778). Contact details here