Macdonald sentence a vindication of ICAC

Today’s sentencing of Ian Macdonald and John Maitland is a vindication of the work of the ICAC.

Jamie Parker, Greens MP for Balmain and anti-corruption spokesperson, said:

“This sentence is an important step forward in the fight against corruption in NSW, holding dirty politicians and their mates accountable.

"Corruption is a crime that has very real victims, and this decision should compel the Premier to inject additional funds into the ICAC.

The ICAC is only able to fully investigate a small proportion of the matters referred to it, and there is no doubt that ICAC could be even more effective with the additional resources it requested.

This decision again highlights the need for a Federal ICAC, which both Federal Labor and Liberal continue to dodge.

Just last Tuesday, a Greens motion to establish a National Independent Commission Against Corruption was defeated by the unanimous votes of Labor and Liberal politicians.

Rather than starving ICAC of funding and attacking its structure, the government should immediately move to strengthen anti-corruption laws.

The Commonwealth and other states in Australia have specific statutory offences to address misconduct by public officials. NSW corruption law need modernising and the government should introduce laws to codify the offences of misconduct in public office, pecuniary interest in government contracts, bribery and conspiracy to defraud, as previously proposed by the ICAC."

Watch the video here

ENDS:

For further comment contact Jamie Parker 02 9660 7586

FERRIES AT ANNANDALE AND WEST BALMAIN

Imagine hopping on a ferry at Annandale or West Balmain and being in the heart of the city within minutes.

In 2020, we won the campaign for a Glebe ferry. Now, we have the opportunity to connect more of our area to the ferry network. New ferries at Annandale and West Balmain will provide a faster, smarter route into the city without adding to the traffic on our roads.

Both Labor and the Liberals want to build more polluting and destructive tollways across Sydney. But we have costed a comprehensive plan for a world-class public transport system that makes getting around our city fast and easy.

Dear Transport Minister,

New inner west ferry services would provide efficient, fast and environmentally sound travel to and from the area for workers, tourists, students, pensioners and the general public.

I therefore ask that the Government build on the success of the Blackwattle Bay ferry and establish a ferry service at Rozelle Bay for the Annandale area and reinstate the ferry at West Balmain.

6,059 SIGNATURES

6,000