Australians have fought hard and long over centuries for the Aussie “fair go for all”. It has seemingly always been an essential element of the Australian character. However within a few short years the conservatives have ripped away safeguards and protection for everyday Australians, their workplaces and their environment. Pensioners have always been poor, however due to a suite of LNP policies new depths of poverty are now being plumbed. Many are struggling to be able to afford a daily shower for fear of the associated electricity bills. So it is a choice between hot showers and decent meals.
It is high time that laws were bought in, at all levels of government, to eliminate the kind of bribery claims that the ICAC in NSW have been exposing in recent months. While Mr Newman has been named at ICAC, he doesn’t have to answer questions about a $700 bottle of Penfolds Grange or other Ministerial gifts totalling $19,041.65. It should not be acceptable practice to either receive this kind of largesse. As they say, there are no free lunches… especially not in politics.
Our Premier receives ample remuneration through parliamentary pay and allowances without accepting gifts from developers. Questions will surely be asked by the people of Queensland as to whether or not developer Nick Gardner has received preferential treatment in exchange for his gift.
A law, as in NSW, prohibiting any such gifts from developers in any area of government should be passed to ensure taxpayers and ratepayers are not left wondering whether or not they are getting genuine value for their tax dollars paid.