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NewsWhat if it's not just a well-subsidised parliament house where there's a problem?
What if it's not just a well-subsidised parliament house where there's a problem?

What if it's not just a well-subsidised parliament house where there's a problem?

There's been understandable outrage at what's been going on at parliament house for far too long. Some of it behind closed doors and too much, according to a new book, unashamedly in plain sight.

Much of the excess is blamed on a toxic politicised culture that is bankrolled with generous pay and conditions by the public (that's us). So surely we're entitled to ask more than just questions.

Another week and yet more revelations of workplace abuse in Canberra, which you'd hope wouldn't be as widespread elsewhere around Australia.

Former pollie Kate Ellis's book Sex Lies and Question Time outlines the appalling sledging and innuendos used against female MPs not just in corridors but also in the chambers themselves.

Given the singular focus there's been on parliament house of late, which plays into the joint's self-centeredness, expect word of more toe-curling and possibly illegal activities to arise.

And we can expect that other workplaces, such as the armed forces, will discover more of their dirty laundry is aired in public.

The diminishing public trust in politics and the increasingly large subsidies paid by taxpayers for the institution of parliament house means what happens there remains important.

In a place where laws are made, it's fair enough that there are codes and standards of reasonable, understood, and enforced behaviour.

Anyone who has worked in the public service, or much of corporate Australia of late, will know the time and effort now devoted by HR departments into the compliance of such matters.

So what on earth has gone on in Canberra? Many experts of the armchair and other varieties will doubtless have their say, but I was interested over the weekend by a theory put by an outsider.

A senior foreign diplomat, who has long experience of the Westminster system in various nations, told my contact that politics here was simply tougher and dirtier than in other countries.

Blame poor recent leadership, the erosion of support for major parties and the growth of minor ones or even our colourful convict history, but whatever the cause, he says, we have a nasty political culture.

It's a challenging condition to measure or even compare, but whatever the cause, there seems something rotten we need to fix. In finding any remedies, we'll have to decide if this rot is unique to Canberra or further spread amidst our body politic and perhaps beyond?

What do you think? Is the current torrent of allegations and condemnation justifiably aimed at parliament house, or is this singular focus on Canberra distracting us from a more widely spread malaise?

 

Any information is general advice, it does not take into account your individual circumstances, objectives, financial situation or needs.

Originally posted on .

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Norm
Norm from NSW commented:

Too much Political upmanship and party playing aided by a biased MEDIA looking for just headlines. What you think this doesn't happen in Labor party ?? And how is it Morrisons fault - MEDIA again N 

Laurence
Laurence from NSW commented:

What do you expect,when we have a room full of politicians?If we ever have a room full of statesmen we may have some proprietary even commonsense without ridiculous barbs and something looking like what we expect from the people that we elect! Faint hope,I know !! 

Someone
Someone from NSW commented:

I must generally agree with Susan’s comments, but also add that the problems exist in all Australian parliaments and with some MPs therein as well. History tells us that our ADF covers up these problems better than pollies can. However, we are always dealing with human beings some of whom choose to offend basic moral and spiritual principles when opportunities arise to do so. David (NSW) 

Someone
Someone from NSW commented:

It’s been said that a people get the government they deserve - which does suggest a more widely spread malaise. As a society we need to hang our heads in shame that so many simple 10 Commandments which are there to guide society have been unashamedly thrown out. Try any one from 1-10.. and the few who try to stem the tide are vilified and overruled. But the outrage suggests that all is not lost- that there is still a glimmer and Yes! I for one object to my hard earned tax dollars supporting such disgraceful toxic behaviour. We need to clean up our act- both inside and outside Canberra. Signed Anne 

Susan
Susan from QLD commented:

I believe from my past working conditions, that this is a wide spread malaise which has been going on for 50 years or more. I've been retired for more than 20 years so I can tell you it is nothing new for females. However, not all men are predators and I don't like the present condemnation that puts all men in the same category. But I agree with the senior foreign diplomat that politics in this country is very toxic. This situation should not be politicised; it is not MP's who have been playing up but staff. However the solution should belong to all MPs together. It is toxic in all parties. Social media and cancel culture has made all MPs too scared to say what they really believe just for short term gain. We have no leaders who are prepared to stand their ground and look to the long term. 

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