Editorial: State Government dumping reports last minute to avoid scrutiny reeks of hypocrisy

Dumping thousands of pages of information into the public arena when you know perfectly well the public gaze will be averted is a tactic that reeks of hypocrisy, writes THE EDITOR.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and Deputy Premier Jackie Trad often evoke the corruption-riddled Bjelke-Petersen era as they present the Labor Government as being accountable. Picture: AAP/ Ric Frearson

WHEN Annastacia Palaszczuk came to power in 2015 promising a new era of transparency, voters had every right to expect her Government would deliver.

But an administration that trumpeted a commitment to openness did itself no favours late Friday when it tabled more than 70 annual reports in the vain hope that grand final weekend might divert some much-needed scrutiny.

Waiting until the last moment allowable under parliamentary rules, the Government released truckloads of documents between 3.30pm and 10pm.

Former premier Joh Bjelke-Petersen in 1985-1986. His Government was brought down in disgrace in 1987.

Former premier Campbell Newman was attacked for being unaccountable when he attempted to truncate the budget estimates process.

Governments have a well-established habit of trying to offload information detrimental to their public image during a crisis or celebration.

Thorny issues are then effectively hidden in plain sight until re-emerging at a later date when they can be dismissed as old news.

This Government has gone out of its way to make transparency and accountability key aspects of its identity.

Premier Palaszczuk and Deputy Premier Jackie Trad often evoke the corruption-riddled Bjelke-Petersen era to present the ruling Labor Government in the righteous light of integrity, decency and accountability.

And this Government rarely misses an opportunity to remind voters of the lapses in accountability in the previous Newman administration in an attempt to provide contrasting moral values.

It was in 2014 that, as Opposition leader, Ms Palaszczuk led the charge against Premier Campbell Newman.

She was quick to respond when he attempted to truncate the budget estimates process by covering what were once six estimates hearings (including critical areas of health and education) in one session.

“This is not about an open and accountable government, this is about hiding from the public, hiding from media scrutiny, and not facing up to the music,’’ Ms Palaszczuk declared at the time.

That is so true.

That bid to cut back on scrutiny of the expenditure of public money that estimates hearings provide was a lame attempt to obfuscate the business of governing.

So, in its own way, is dumping thousands of pages of information into the public arena when you know perfectly well the public gaze will be averted.

OUR BILLY BOWS OUT A NATIONAL TREASURE

THE cheers from the Garradunga Hotel will float out over the cane fields of far north Queensland tonight when one of the Sunshine State’s favourite sons will run on to the paddock for the last time, for the grand final clash between the Sydney Roosters and Melbourne Storm.

Billy Slater has done Queensland proud during his prestigious career. Picture: AAP/Wayne Taylor

Billy Slater effortlessly personifies so much of what is good about Queensland.

From humble beginnings in Garradunga, just north of Innisfail, he soaked up the north Queensland sunshine as a kid and lived the carefree rural life before his skill at rugby league propelled him on to the international stage.

Today his name is immortalised beside Clive Churchill and Graeme Langlands, as the best fullbacks of all time.

Being slugged by the Match Review Committee with a grade one charge for his try-saving shoulder charge on Cronulla winger Sosaia Feki put a serious question mark over Billy’s grand finale a week ago.

But, with lawyer Nick Ghabar on his side, he fought the charge, and the committee came down with the correct verdict.

Whatever happens tonight, Billy Slater will do himself and his state proud in a fitting end to a truly dazzling sporting career.

Responsibility for election comment is taken by Kelvin Healey, corner of Mayne Rd & Campbell St, Bowen Hills, Qld 4006. Printed and published by NEWSQUEENSLAND (ACN 009 661 778). Contact details are available at couriermail.com.au