ALHR signs Fitzgerald Principles on Queensland accountability and transparency

January 28, 2015

ALHR and other concerned groups have sent an open letter to Queensland political parties.  The full body of the text is attached.  The public have also been invited to add their names to the letter here: http://theausinstitute.nationbuilder.com/accountability_qld

An open letter to Queensland political parties,

The erosion of accountability and transparency has damaged democracy in Queensland. Successive governments have become too close to industry lobbyists and representatives, particularly from the resources industry, undermining public trust in the political process.

The current government has weakened Queensland’s anti-corruption watchdog, the Crime and Corruption Commission, and used its almost unlimited Constitutional power to legislate without regard to proportionality or individual liberties. The appointment of Queensland’s chief justice has been widely criticised by many of the state’s most senior legal figures.

The political parties have a choice: they can offer more of the same, or they can commit to a fresh, principled way of conducting the business of government, for the benefit of all Queenslanders and our unique environment.

On 8 January, a few days after the current election was announced, The Australia Institute wrote to the leaders of all political parties asking each “to commit to the following principles of accountability and good governance put forward by The Honourable Tony Fitzgerald AC QC:

1. Govern for the peace, welfare and good government of the State;

  1. Make all decisions and take all actions, including public appointments, in the public interest without regard to personal, party political or other immaterial considerations;
  2. Treat all people equally without permitting any person or corporation special access or influence; and
  3. Promptly and accurately inform the public of its reasons for all significant or potentially controversial decisions and actions.

The Australia Institute has received responses from Queensland Labor, Bob Katter’s Australia Party, Palmer United Party, and the Queensland Greens, all of whom have agreed to adopt the principles if elected.

The Liberal National Party failed to respond.

150128 Open Letter- Fitzgerald Principles