New low standard of government
Comments by the Honourable Tony Fitzgerald AC QC about the state of government in Queensland have prompted strong public support in the lead up to the state election on 31 January.
Fitzgerald warned that the current standard of governance in Queensland is on a slippery slope towards corruption and abuse of power. Although he said he wasn't saying its as bad as the Bjelke Petersen days of open corruption and pandering to special interests, he said the same sort of practices are starting to take hold. And he said the Newman government had set a new low standard.
In response The Australia Institute started a petition calling on Queensland policital parties to sign up to a set of accountablity principles articulated by Fitzgerald.
I've reproduced the Fitzgerald Principles here as a reminder that good governance isn't complex.
Govern for the peace, welfare and good government of the State;
Make all decisions and take all actions, including public appointments, in the public interest without regard to personal, party political or other immaterial considerations;
Treat all people equally without permitting any person or corporation special access or influence; and
Promptly and accurately inform the public of its reasons for all significant or potentially controversial decisions and actions.
