It seems that ICAC may actually be the huge waste of money that some have previously suggested.

I say that though for different reasons (I think) to others.

Firstly, it seems that an awful lot of people are not surprised that significant corruption has been occurring. In other words, ICAC actually isn't telling us anything we already did not know. Therefore, it further seems that the only thing that ICAC is effectively doing is exposing the corruption that most already anticipated was already occurring. Consequently, once those stupid enough to get caught in the net are exposed, it will be back to business as usual... Minus a few expendable scalps of course...

It seems to me that if we in fact need ICACs... What we really need is a total change of how we do our politics. Review the constitution, completely redesign the "system".

However, given the entrenched corruptions and entitlement mentality built into our corporate and political models it is hardly likely that all the ICAC investigations under the sun are not going to, in fact, generate the very real changes that this country absolutely needs to be making.

I guess at least it provides some level of entertainments for pundits on forums...

Phemanderac wrote on Aug 29^th, 2014 at 1:53pm:

The problem isn't that ICAC is a waste of money. It's that the penalties for being caught are far too light, and do not act as a sufficient deterrent. As long as the reward outweighs the risk, it remains profitable.

So remove all the profit.

Jail terms for corruption should have a minimum of 12 months - this would automatically disqualify a Federal parliamentarian under section 44 of the Constitution. The penalties should also include a lifetime disqualification from running for public office at any level, a lifetime disqualification from being a director of any company or organisation, and forfeiture of assets under proceeds of crime legislation.

In other words, lock them up, seize their loot, and make sure that they can never be in a position to do it ever again.

Of course, this is wishful thinking - it is unlikely that the lawmakers will change the laws to make themselves more accountable.

A few observations, for consideration -
1) The Proceeds of Crime Act 2002
http://www.afp.gov.au/policing/proceeds-of-crime.aspx#the-proceeds-of-crime-act-...
2) Apply above to Federal, State & Local Councils.
3) Ensure, as far as is possible, that those appointed to this task force & particularly those who will run it, are direct descendants of God??? 
4) Implement OZ-wide legislation to make all elections Publicly funded & all donations to elections illegal, from Business, Unions & individuals!

Crikey at this rate the only party left in NSW will be the Greens 

John Smith wrote on Aug 29^th, 2014 at 2:33pm:


I would site the back to back exposure of several "rorters" at the commencement of the current Governments term in office as a clear and blatant example of getting back to business as usual. The corruption is wide spread and on all sides of politics - yes I am sure the supporters of minor parties will be up in arms at this assertion - bummer.

Our current "politics" is rife with corruption - ergo, exposing it further is rather futile, changing the playing field however....

Cliff48 wrote on Aug 29^th, 2014 at 5:08pm:


Firstly I did not say useless, I said a waste of money... Further, it is a waste of money because NOTHING is in place once the corruption is exposed.

Using your examples of rape and murder for example, upon investigation, once a perpetrator is "exposed", their is a further process in place whereby they face trial and a Gaol sentence. Ironically, it does not really change much, we still have people being raped and murdered... Just an aside observation of course - perhaps that system needs to change too...

However, and quite tellingly, I also did not say do nothing, admittedly I did not elaborate on what the "generate the very real changes that this country absolutely needs to be making." (Yeah I know, you didn't quote that bit of my post... Did you read that far or not understand the meaning of this little gem?). I did not elaborate on that because I gave people credit to have enough intelligence to consider their own options regarding what some of those changes might look like.

So, since I most clearly did not say do NOTHING I would have to, respectfully, contend that the overly dramatic use of the term, "The most stupid thread I have seen in a long long time." is a wee bit harsh, considering it would appear that you either did not read my entire post, or failed to comprehend a fairly basic statement.

Tell me this, do you contend that ICAC as it currently stands will wipe out corruption in politics?

Oh, and when you say "The most stupid thread I have seen in a long long time." do you mean the entire thread
or just my individual post that may after all change some of the context of my post...

Phemanderac wrote on Aug 30^th, 2014 at 8:44am:


yes but all the corruption you are finding out about now predated the ICAC enquiry ... you've yet to see if the kiddies are behaving now that ICAC has shone a light on the subject.

Abbott 'absolutely confident' federal Libs won't be dragged into donations scandal (SMH, excerpt)
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