New training program to teach MPs right from wrong
Every MP in NSW parliament will face a compulsory corporate virtue course complete with ethics training in a bid to stamp out integrity crises.
NSW
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Every MP in NSW parliament will face a compulsory corporate virtue course complete with ethics training in a bid to stamp out integrity crises.
With parliament under another ICAC cloud over restricted donations, it can be revealed Speaker Jonathan O’Dea is finalising a corporate-style tutoring plan for MPs with both online and “face-to-face” coaching in ethics and “personal development”.
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The ethics component of the training will be compulsory for every MP, with other elements optional.
Mr O’Dea has already flagged his intentions with Premier Gladys Berejiklian, and told The Daily Telegraph he was working on the program before the ICAC hearings began.
One senior Liberal scoffed at the plan, saying it “sounded like kindergarten” and “it’s embarrassing MPs don’t know right from wrong”.
However, others told the Telegraph NSW’s parliament faced a serious brand problem after decades of misbehaviour and steps needed to be taken to set things right.
The training would teach MPs about donation laws in the state and rules of conduct. MPs would also likely hear from guest speakers.
Mr O’Dea said that while “overwhelmingly the majority of people are good people trying to do the right thing”, it was the case that “some of them go a little off track”.
It is understood the program will be the first of its kind.
“I think this will be meaningful and set a precedent other parliaments might look to,” he said.