A mockery of government accountability

As expected, the Coate inquiry has turned out to be a massive waste of time and taxpayer money (“Long-awaited Victorian hotel quarantine inquiry report released”, 21/12). The inquiry’s findings beg the question: who is running the rock show in Victoria? Daniel Andrews, Lisa Neville and Martin Pakula may not have made the decision to hire the private security guards but they should all resign for dereliction of duty. Did any of them ask the obvious questions such as was there a risk assessment applied to the plan and would any of the alternatives (police, ADF) perform the task better? Executives and military officers get removed for lesser offences; politicians must be accountable for their actions, or in this case, their lack of action.

Robert Mills, Belrose, NSW

Victoria’s retired judge Jennifer Coate failed to uncover the truth of Daniel Andrews’ quarantine calamity — and 800 deaths — because she declined to ask the right questions and declined to interview everyone involved. Coate relied solely on the coloured recollections of the guilty parties, instead of asking subordinates what they were told and when they knew. A conspiracy of silence at the highest level has subverted and perverted the course of justice and the law has permitted it.

Greg Jones, Kogarah, NSW

Victoria’s quarantine inquiry has found the decision to use private security guards “was the product of the police commissioner Graham Ashton’s preference”. Such a finding makes a mockery of public official accountability. It also provides a template for future excuses by politicians and bureaucrats when they bungle government programs.

Riley Brown, Bondi Beach, NSW

It seems the Andrews government has developed a brilliantly efficient method for making important decisions — osmosis. No need for time-consuming information gathering, analysis, discussion and a clear understanding of the final decision. Just a few vague phone calls and emails, then let “the vibe” take over.

Chris Love, Wahroonga, NSW

As Sir Humphrey said: “A basic rule of government is never look into anything you don’t have to, and never set up an inquiry unless you know in advance what its findings will be.” Nice one, Dan.

John Sumner, Deviot, Tas

The finding of Justice Jennifer Coate that the Andrews government’s decision to use security guards in hotel quarantine was not made by any single person exemplifies a tenet of politics: Don’t get caught.

Robin Flannery, Parrearra, Qld

Good on Peta Credlin for reinventing herself as a sought-after media commentator and investigative journalist. For months she has been shining a light on the shocking and tragic hotel quarantine ineptitude in Victoria, which now has the insult-to-injury inquiry findings to add to the travesty. Here’s hoping this Liberal warrior, a formidable political chief of staff who helped the Liberal Party achieve a net gain of 18 seats and win government in 2013, will run for office and boot out the incompetent Andrews government.

Mandy Macmillan, Singleton, NSW