EDITORIAL: Integrity promise not upheld by government

Michael Gunner swept to power promising honesty, integrity and transparency in his government, but years later, basic facts can’t be divulged.

• Gunner refuses to say whether Treasury advice given in Turf Club saga
• Ministers missing-in-action as pressure grows on Chief

MICHAEL Gunner swept to power promising honesty, integrity and transparency in his government.

Years down the track, this promise doesn’t seem to have been upheld.

We’re only finding out now that Mr Gunner himself was the person who brought the Turf Club grandstand submission into cabinet.

And his office isn’t saying whether Treasury provided a background briefing as part of that submission.

Having a Treasury briefing is standard practice, so one would think confirming this was included in the Turf Club submission would be an easy thing to do, right?

Chief Minister Michael Gunner. Picture: Che Chorley

This lack of transparency isn’t just frustrating for journalists, but it’s also bad for democracy.

The people deserve and should demand a government which doesn’t just behave honestly and honourably, but also is willing to admit things it might not be proud of.

The Gunner administration needs to course-correct on this, and quickly.

It needs to build back its trust with voters.

It needs to start answering journalists’ questions when they’re legitimately in the public interest, instead of just ignoring them if they don’t suit them.

It needs to respect the fact the electorate aren’t dumb, and will turn their backs on a government which isn’t living up to its core promises.

It’s time for transparency.

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