Branch stacking scandal highlights the need for national body
Given the extensive branch-stacking scandal, isn't it time for a national ICAC and a fully forensic investigation into all political parties?
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For some time now, I have been advocating for a powerful independent commission against corruption (ICAC). Victoria's Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) has proved itself a toothless tiger.
If the powers that be were serious, the state government and the state opposition, along with the federal government and the federal opposition, all would demand an ICAC national forensic enquiry into branch stacking.
A national ICAC based on the NSW version would protect the public interest, prevent breaches of public trust and guide the conduct of public officials. In turn, a federal ICAC would deal with corrupt conduct involving or affecting the public sector, federal government agencies, federal members of parliament and the federal judiciary.
This issue that is currently affecting Victorian Labor has reared its ugly head regularly for both major parties over the years. We need a forensic approach to corruption. An ICAC would have the power and ability to investigate the highest offices of government, which would expose corrupt networks of influence and ensure, as the public demands, that every person who serves on their behalf is held accountable for their actions.
Why are our politicians so scared of this? Too many 'cans of worms' could be opened? Bad luck, we deserve an effective watchdog.
Ron Egeberg, Soldiers Hill
Signs would help with more awareness
Ballarat's Black Swans are elegant, graceful and an intelligent bird. Sacred to all of us. Since January rescuers have been called from members of public 40 times to rescue swans; in collisions with cars, caught in fishing hooks and lines or simply sick.At most of these times the members of public stay with the swan until a rescuer arrives. The swans or other are then transported to Vet clinic or to the Wildlife Shelter. Children and adults witnessing car collisions are devastated.
We want immediate action to protect swans including speed cameras, more visable 'Swans crossing' signs and "Do not feed bird signs' around lake. I fear it will take a person to be seriously injured, before action is taken by council or DWELP.
Jennifer Greenhalgh, Ballarat
