by jmsthornton | Aug 19, 2016 | Code of Conduct, Federal Government, Fitzgerald Principles, Freedom of Information, Lobbying, News, Open Government Partnership (OGP), Public Trust, Queensland, Queensland Crime Commissions, Reforms
This paper, “Democracy at the Crossroads?” was delivered by Hon Tim Smith QC at the Cairn’s Tropical Writers Festival, 11 August 2016. In it, he sets out two broad principles to which members of parliament should adhere, The “Fitzgerald Principles” and The...
by Lyn Allison | Jun 14, 2016 | News
The Accountability Round Table today (Tues 14 June) asked political parties and candidates to commit to measures to improve the integrity and accountability of government. Chair of ART, Tim Smith QC, former Supreme Court Judge said The Commonwealth Government... by jmsthornton | Jun 12, 2016 | Election, Election 2016, Federal Government, News
The public office, public, trust principle Parties are like football clubs – no matter how much money they get, they will spend it and then want more. Former Victorian Premier, John Cain, Oct 2006 Australia’s federal electoral system has few constraints on donations...
by jmsthornton | Jan 4, 2016 | Corruption, Federal Government, McMullan Principle, Ministerial Responsibility, News, Reforms, Rule of Law
A number of people are very concerned at the undermining of judicial independence that is the effect of the new terrorism laws, including Spencer Zifcak. Spencer Zifcak is a member of ART, as well as Allan Myers Professor of Law and Director of Research at the Academy...
by jmsthornton | Dec 28, 2015 | News
The Accountability Round Table mourns the passing of The Honorable Jim Carlton, AO. Jim died suddenly on Christmas Eve, after spending the day with his family. Jim was a vigorous and engaged director of the Accountability Round Table, constant in fighting for...
by jmsthornton | Dec 2, 2015 | Auditor General, IBAC, News, Victoria, Victorian Government Integrity System Reform
In a move long awaited by ART, the Government announced on 29 November 2015 that Victorian IBAC watchdog is finally to get the necessary teeth to investigate MPs, judges and public servants with legislation to be presented in the December sittings. ART members have...