The ACT has not had (until recently, perhaps) any real allegations of political wrongdoing and even corruption, which have been not infrequent occurrences in other jurisdictions. Indeed, across the border in NSW, allegations of corrupt behaviour go back to the NSW Rum Corps in the early 1800s. During my time in the Legislative Assembly (covering 1989 to 2008), I cannot recall any real issues pointing to corrupt behaviour by politicians or public servants. Incompetence, maybe, but not dishonest behaviour. It is, therefore, disturbing that I now hear allegations that behavioural standards in the Government and the local public service may be loosening more than they should. It is timely, then, that steps should be taken to ensure the highest standards of political behaviour and public administration are maintained in the ACT in future.

I have thought about this problem for a number of years now, and feel it could be largely solved by government appointing four to six experienced former detective sergeants, say for an initial period of two years on contract, and placing them in the office of the Integrity Commissioner. Their job would be to go out to any government departments where there were suspicions that things were not quite right and above board, ensconce themselves there for a few weeks or more, and investigate matters on the ground.

These ex-police detectives could be sworn in as special constables detached to the Integrity Commission, and thus have all the powers of search, seizure of evidence, and arrest a normal officer would have. They would be able to charge people if any crimes were discovered; and, even if not, they could suggest ways for the wayward government department and its relevant officers to clean up their act.

I have always been troubled by allegations coming out of our planning department/s, and, whilst not knowing the truth or otherwise of these claims and allegations, the deployment of two or three of these officers for a few weeks (or as long as it takes) would either uncover some real problems, or (hopefully), if not, put the community concerns to rest.

The Belco Party actually announced this as a policy last week, but only a few news sites ran with it.

Integrity in all forms of government – be they elected officials, public servants, or members of the public who deal with them seeking government contracts or land deals – is essential for a modern, fair, well-run democracy. Corruption is a scourge that has destroyed governments and countries over the centuries. Corruption destroyed the great Chinese empire, and it still seems reasonably prevalent in China, as it is in Putin’s Russia.

I hope there are no Eddie Obeids lurking out there, but if there are, the above Belco Party policy may well be a good way of stopping any embryonic corruption in the ACT in its tracks before it gets started. I commend this policy or something similar to the current parties in the Assembly and to other parties standing for election in October.