Rorts watch
We are now keeping tabs on the extraordinary number of abuses of power by governments and their agencies – Federal and state – and it’s an alarmingly long list. The …
National anti-corruption commission urgent
Here’s a proposition: No one should be above the law, not members of parliament, not their staff, not public servants, not ordinary citizens. And another: Members of parliament should not …
Our donations policy released
The Australian Democrats intend to contest the next Federal election and we will certainly need donations to win seats in the Parliament but here is how we will deal with …
Company tax cuts foolish
Resurrecting company tax cuts amounts to a corporate giveaway. This money – $147.2 billion over the first 6 years – would be better spent on economic recovery. Indeed, all the evidence …
Here’s how to stop branch stacking
Branch stacking in the Labor Party ain’t exactly new so good to see the Premier finally sacking Adem Somyurek and referring him to IBAC but it’s not enough. The 2014 …
Robodebt incompetence – who pays?
It now appears the cost of the damage done to people by Robodebt is around $1 billion. We don’t begrudge anyone compensation but this is a massive cost that should have …
Robodebt payback
The Government has just said it will repay $721 million raised by 470,000 debt notices unlawfully imposed on welfare recipients in one of the most punitive and incompetent debacles yet …
Select committee no substitute
It is somewhat reassuring that a Senate Select Committee has been established to ‘inquire into the Australian Government’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic.’ However, it is still preferable for Parliament to sit.
Defend democracy
Barry Jones says 40 years ago he feared it would require a great crisis to bring a more rational, evidence-based approach to long term problems.
Reform overdue in secrecy acts
Our submission to the Government’s Open Government Partnership commitments calls for a major review and reform of Commonwealth laws that allow secret prosecutions, trials and imprisonment. You didn’t know this …
