ANALYSIS: Damning Coaldrake report is no surprise to those who have followed arrogant government long enough

Professor Peter Coaldrake has, in effect, spoken for every public servant, journalist, adviser and even the odd MP who has publicly or privately questioned the arrogant actions of this government at one time or another, writes Jessica Marszalek.

Professor Peter Coaldrake’s report, “Let the Sunshine In”, could not be more aptly named.

It has found a culture of pressure, disrespect, bullying and fear, where people are encouraged to hide facts, obfuscate and adopt short-term political thinking, and where key checks by integrity bodies haven’t kept up.

The findings and recommendations will be as surprising to some as they are unsurprising to those who have followed this government for long enough.

Coaldrake has, in effect, spoken for every public servant, journalist, adviser and even the odd MP who has publicly or privately questioned the arrogant actions of this government at one time or another.

This government has, at times, lacked a self-awareness of its actions and how they translate through an unshakeable belief in its own virtue.

Having lobbyists work on Labor’s re-election campaign? An RTI framework that continually fails to produce documents in the public interest? Failing to adopt key recommendations to strengthen integrity bodies?

We’ve been told for so long these weren’t failings.

Coaldrake disagrees.

Echoing the famous words uttered by predecessor Mike Ahern when he agreed to implement the Fitzgerald Inquiry, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has accepted his recommendations, “lock, stock and barrel”.

Now, let the sun shine in.