Do we have a corruption problem in Victoria?
Recently ART has written to the Special Minister of State, the Hon. Gavin Jennings, to explore the question, "Do we have a corruption problem in Victoria?" This question has not been explored for some time. Corruption is an ever present threat, especially where large...
Abolition of the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner.
ART is very concerned that Freedom of Information (FOI) provisions at the Federal level are under threat and a dangerous precedent subverting the Senate's constitutional position may be being set. We have previously made a submission to the Senate Committee...
NSW Election. Call for Party promises to deliver ethical, accountable and transparent governance
The New South Wales election on 28th of March is another opportunity to advance the transparency and accountability of government. The Accountability Round Table has sought from parties contesting the recent Victorian and Queensland elections, assurances concerning...
Australia’s Democratic governments; a proud history, their present state and future?
This is the text of a speech presented by the Hon T H Smith QC, at Waverly Rotary Club on 27 January 2015 Australia’s Democratic governments; a proud history, their present state and future? Tim Smith 27 January 2015 On this year’s Australia Day, community...
Queensland Election. Labor Party promises on anti-corruption
The Queensland Labor Party has given a comprehensive response to our request for comment on matters of anti corruption prior to the Queensland state election. The full response letter from the Hon Tim Mulherin, Deputy Leader of the Opposition is linked here, but a...
Queensland Election. Call for Party promises on anti-corruption
On January 13th, ART sent a letter to all major parties contesting the Queensland election, the Liberal National Party, the Australian Labor Party, Palmer United Party, the Greens, and Katter's Australia Party. This letter requested the commitment of all parties to...
A “Federal ICAC”.
Following on from the revelations of the NSW ICAC, there have been a number of calls for a "federal ICAC" or federal anti -corruption commission. This year, there were a number of initiatives to try to establish such a commission. The earliest appeal for a federal...
How to restore trust in politics after the Victorian election
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...
Barry Jones – What’s Wrong With Democracy?
The Hon Barry Jones AC, FAA FAHA FTSE FASSA FACE ‘What’s wrong with our democracy?’ Talk given to ICAN - The Independent Community Accountability Network Hawthorn Community Precinct. 584 Glenferrie Road, Hawthorn. Thursday 2 October 2014, 1600 TRANSCRIPT Barry Jones...
Do our MPs really deserve their bad reputation?
Colleen Lewis, an ART member, argues that appointing a Victorian Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards would help to save politicians from their own contribution to their poor reputation. "It would serve Victorian MPs well if they placed their own integrity high on...