Sunday, June 29, 2014

Corporate Culture: Tony Fitzgerald and Queensland Megalomaniacs

Former Queensland corruption fighter Tony Fitzgerald has launched another scathing attack against the Newman Government.

Mr Fitzgerald says constant requests for interviews about politics in Queensland have forced him to make a statement.

The former corruption fighter says the Newman Government is using its majority to dominate debate both inside and outside Parliament.

Mr Fitzgerald also hit out at News Corporation Australia, accusing them of publishing biased reports favouring the Liberal National Party (LNP).

"Queensland is extremely vulnerable to the misuse and abuse of power.
"There are almost no constitutional limits on the power of the State's single house of parliament.
"Unless there is an effective parliamentary opposition to advocate alternative policies, criticise government errors, denounce excesses of power and reflect, inform and influence public opinion, the checks and balances needed for democracy are entirely missing."

In the statement, he said the State Government has "flaunted its disdain for democracy and good governance" by attacking the independence of the judiciary and the state's Crime and Misconduct Commission (CMC).

Last month, Mr Fitzgerald condemned the appointment of Tim Carmody as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, raising concerns about Judge Carmody's experience and questioning whether he has been too supportive of government policies.

"People whose ambition exceeds their ability aren't all that unusual," Mr Fitzgerald said following the appointment.

"However, it's deeply troubling that the megalomaniacs currently holding power in Queensland are prepared to damage even fundamental institutions like the Supreme Court and cast doubt on fundamental principles like the independence of the judiciary."

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