Colleen Lewis writes for ‘The Conversation’ on the cynicism and corrosion of trust expressed by the voting public concerning our politicians. Public disdain, she argues may ultimately undermine our democracy. The next election in Victoria provides an opportunity to begin to restore public trust. She refers to ART’s recent letter to the three major parties in Victoria asking them to commit to three basic principles of integrity.
- Giving greater powers to Victoria’s Independent Broad Based Anti-Corruption Commission (IBAC)
- Holding an inquiry into public funding of political parties, individual members of parliament and political candidates
- Strengthening the public’s right to know, with improved Freedom of Information rules.
and makes the case in detail for each of them.
This article can be read on ‘The Conversation’ and it was also reprinted by ‘The Guardian’.