Nothing fuels an embittered sense of despair in voters than the more things change the more they stay the same. The latest expenses scandal which has embroiled the Federal Coalition is not so much a revelation as a familiar pantomime with different actors taking the parts.
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Rorting within and outside the law on both sides of politics should be news in a democracy hoping to remain accountable for costs but it is the repetition, the dread déjà vu which riles and disheartens the public.
However fringe from the real issues, it is not a new complaint. Think of Slipper and his wine tours. That term of Government was mired in a new era of entitlement demonstrated by the likes of Craig Thompson. Few targets have made themselves more universally loathed than those supposed to be representing some of the lowest paid and yet living high on the hog. But even the erstwhile whistle-blower and champion of union-haters Cathy Jackson turned out to be even more stupefyingly indifferent to her fantastic misuse of HSU funds.
Hopes a new Government in 2013 could herald a new era started well. An early scandal by Minister Scott Morrison was diffused by prompt action, they came straight out and said it was an “honest mistake” and repaid the money. Admission diffuses the issue and reinforces the old adage we often try to teach children; “Repent what's past... and do not spread the compost on the weeds to make them ranker.”
Alas it is the litany of excuses and tepid justifications that give the issue oxygen. Bronwyn Bishop took this to a demeaning crescendo under the Abbott Government with her chopper flight. Her actions and her appalling reaction made a mockery of the Government’s mantra that the age of entitlement was over. Now we have another round with Susan Ley and her whimsical purchase of an apartment. On it goes with polo matches etc. A new cabinet, a new round; cosi fan tutte.
The hope politicians are acting in our best interest incrementally gives way to scurrilous and easy generalisations.The dollar amounts are ultimately small, in some cases even justified but alas the effect is the same; a further erosion of public faith. Australian’s have a healthy scepticism toward politicians but obfuscation and entitlement confirm the worst cynicism and stench of hypocrisy.
It is the trust so important to representative democracy that is the real victim.
