Editor’s view: Change of approach a matter of integrity
Professor Peter Coaldrake’s report into government integrity, prompted by The Courier-Mail’s reporting, is not expected to paint a rosy picture.
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This week is shaping up to be one of the most important of Annastacia Palaszczuk’s career.
With the release of Professor Peter Coaldrake’s report, she has an opportunity to act swiftly and fix the rot that has set in within her government.
And with that, she has a chance to make good on her promise during the 2015 election campaign that she would deliver open, transparent and accountable government.
In a media release titled “Labor delivers on integrity commitments”, sent out on March 9, 2015, Ms Palaszczuk said: “No one is more committed to good, honest government than me.”
The release was sent out just weeks after she was elected, spruiking Labor’s plans to begin advertising for a new Crime and Corruption Commission chair.
Recent months and weeks have shown that the current government cannot be described as “good” or “honest”.
And a “reset” – as called for today by Labor stalwart John Mickel – is desperately needed.
Last week, four Labor backbenchers did not turn up to a committee meeting so they could avoid voting for the second time against the public release of how much cash the CCC spent in a court fight over the release of a secret report into Jackie Trad’s behaviour while treasurer.
The bill was revealed the next day to be in the order of $75,000 – a sum that was probably not worth concealing.
In fact, the government’s ridiculous and unashamed behaviour in fighting not to have that figure revealed generated far worse publicity than the actual sum ever would have.
This came after months of questions over the government’s integrity, including the influence of Labor-aligned lobbyists.
Professor Coaldrake’s report – prompted by The Courier-Mail’s fearless reporting on the integrity scandals plaguing the Government – is not expected to paint a rosy picture.
Far from it, judging by his interim report which noted concerns about “the influence of lobbyists on decision-making” and that senior public servants would “take it upon themselves to anticipate what the minister wishes to be told or to assume that the minister would want to be ‘protected’ from exposure to an inconvenient matter”.
Ms Palaszczuk has already indicated that lobbying laws could be tightened very soon after the Coaldrake report is handed down.
She must act quickly, or risk a further erosion in public confidence in the integrity of her government.
Mr Mickel says Professor Coaldrake’s report should be used as a “reset” – in particular, of the Cabinet process.
His view is interesting, raising questions on whether the Cabinet process – which dictates the government’s agenda – needs to be strengthened.
A good Cabinet process – with a free and unhindered exchange of views – is the hallmark of any good government, and after being in power for seven years it would be timely to have a rethink.
It is clear that nothing should be off the table for reform after the Coaldrake report is handed down.
Ms Palaszczuk must be true to her word and act swiftly and prove she is genuinely “committed to good, honest government”.
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