Barry O’Farrell quit the top post yesterday after admitting he had a “memory fail” in regard to a bottle of Penfolds Grange wine given to him by Liberal Party fundraiser  Nick Di Girolamo shortly after the 2011 election.

Remarkably, Mr O’Farrell’s admission – found out after a thank-you note was produced at the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption  hearings – is almost the least of the allegations made about various individuals seen as crucial to the ongoing corruption probe.

Mr O’Farrell was left with little choice but to fall on his sword.

Yesterday, Prime Minister Tony Abbott praised Mr O’Farrell’s actions. He should have a sent a message about the need to ensure that state’s governance reflects the community’s expectations.

The resignation came on a day when the Victorian government and opposition engaged in debate about the platform of our state’s corruption commission.

The Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) this week said there were claims of corruption where it has felt it was unable to investigate because the allegations did not meet a high enough threshold under the legislation.

The IBAC wants to make it mandatory for heads of public sector bodies and local councils to notify it of corrupt conduct, as is already the case in other states.

For people to have faith in government, it is necessary that the appropriate checks are in place.

There must be a process where government operation is held to the highest levels of scrutiny. Where, if wrongdoing is apparent, there are mechanisms to ensure no person takes unfair advantage.

The stakes are high in New South Wales, as yesterday proved.

Now it is incumbent on Premier Denis Napthine to reassure Victorians that he will do everything in his power to ensure IBAC operates in framework which allows investigation and resolution of corrupt behaviour to the satisfaction of our community.