Analysis: We know how this will run

Note to readers: Cut out and keep this all-purpose analysis to save time when the next scandal breaks, writes David Killick.

Harness racing in Tasmania. File picture.

Note to readers: cut out and keep this all-purpose analysis to save time when the next scandal breaks.

The latest allegations of misconduct in [department/government business/government-regulated industry] are extremely troubling.

Once again, the media reporting has uncovered a scandal the highly-paid regulators seem to have missed.

Whistleblowers approached authorities with concerns some time ago but say they were [ignored/punished/sacked].

Those involved in the alleged wrongdoing have denied any wrongdoing.

Questions have been asked in parliament about the issue for months.

Answers were given that [denied there was a problem/completely ignored the question].

The Speaker of the House of Assembly overruled attempts to force the responsible Minister to answer the question under standing Order 45.

The Minister says [he/she] unaware of the specific claims until yesterday and [he/she] takes all accusations of this nature very seriously and they have been referred to the appropriate authorities.

Those authorities have the appropriate power and resources to investigate [these allegations/these allegations again/themselves], the Minister says.

Because this is an operational matter and to protect the privacy of those involved no further comments can be made.

The government will give careful consideration to any recommendations to come out of [the new inquiry/the last inquiry into the same thing].

Opposition parties have called for the minister to resign.

The Premier has denied any link between this incident and the last three or four times oversight bodies and lax regulation failed to properly take due heed of serious concerns until it [made headlines/led news bulletins/was raised in parliament].

The Premier expressed confidence in the Minister and denied current regulations were too lax.

Integrity and transparency are government priorities, the Premier said.

Attempts to move a no-confidence motion in the [minister/speaker/government] in state parliament failed along party lines, as did attempts to refer the matter to a parliamentary committee inquiry.

The report of the new inquiry is expected to be made public at 4pm on the Friday before the next long weekend.

Originally published as Analysis: We know how this will run