Is it possible to have democracy without transparency?
Recent work by Transparency International has ranked Australia the 13th "least corrupt" nation in the world. This is a "notable" slip of 8 places over the last 6 years - with the 2012 score 85/100, and the 2017 score 77/100.
What factors led to this, and how might this impact our democracy? And, with over 82% of voters polled supporting a Federal ICAC - what is the path ahead for greater transparency?
We will be reading three short articles this week, from the ABC, the SMH, and the Australia Institute.
Printed copies may be available in small numbers on the night, and we will be meeting again at the Royal Exhibition Hotel in Surry Hills, at 6pm for a 6:30 start.
A small bar tab will be available on the night for refreshments, including soft-drink.
Texts below:
Australia Slips in Global Corruption Rank, Peter Ryan, ABC 22 Feb 2018
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-02-22/australia-slips-in-global-corruption-rank/9472114
The Case for a Federal ICAC, Hanna Aulbry, The Australia Institute 21 Aug 2017 (pdf downloadable from site below)
http://www.tai.org.au/content/case-federal-corruption-watchdog-icac-needed-fill-gaps-our-integrity-system
and on the other side:
The Flimsy Case for a Federal Anti-Corruption Watchdog, Richard Mulgan SMH 4 Feb 2018
https://www.smh.com.au/public-service/the-flimsy-case-for-a-federal-anticorruption-watchdog-20180203-h0t78k.html
