Member for Davidson Jonathan O'Dea claims only a change of Government will allow the stench of corruption in NSW to be properly addressed.
This week, the Budget Estimates Hearing for Education raised serious concerns over the appointment of a neighbour and friend of the Deputy Director General to a job worth as much as $1,200 a day. This issue may now add to the increased workload of the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC).
Mr O'Dea who is on the Parliamentary ICAC Committee said, "It seems clear the amount of corruption is increasing. ICAC Commissioner David Ipp recently indicated to the ICAC Committee that he needs extra resources to cope with a doubling of the ICAC workload, even though resources were increased just last year.
"This week, District Court Judge Ronald Solomon said corruption in NSW 'must be overcome' as he dismissed an appeal by a Wollongong developer, convicted of lying to the corruption watchdog. Meanwhile, State Ombudsman Bruce Barbour recently stated that his last annual report contained 'far too many examples of public servants acting unethically'.
"These types of concerns have also been echoed through forums involving Transparency International Australia and the Corruption Prevention Network," Mr O'Dea said.
"I am personally heartened by the determined, strong and principled stand of State Opposition Leader Barry O'Farrell to stamp out corruption and improper influence. I strongly support him," Mr O'Dea said.
"The reform of public service appointees through the establishment of a Public Service Commission, improved Freedom of Information laws, political donations reform, the effective regulation of lobbyists and a commitment to examine potential recall elections are clear commitments from the NSW Liberals and Nationals.
The strengthening of anti-corruption laws and whistleblower protection, which NSW Labor has long talked about but not acted upon, have also been outlined in our policy for the March 2011 State Election," Mr O'Dea concluded.
