In the absence of integrity

John Hewson’s appraisal of the grubby skirmishes characterising the lead-up to the 2022 federal election is a sobering reminder the Australian public is being shortchanged on values that should be taken for granted (“Battle for the centre”, February 26–March 4). Truth, integrity, policies in the public interest, equitable distribution of the public purse, campaigning that doesn’t resort to namecalling – plus a press that can provide an informed non-partisan evaluation – are, in the main, conspicuously absent. The need for a federal ICAC has never been more apparent – a dearth of integrity is at the heart of all these issues. The existing industry-regulated and -funded press council is generally mocked as a gummy tiger. We require a publicly funded, independent body with legislated teeth to hold media to account for the veracity of its reportage, especially in the political arena.

The Australian Electoral Commission must be granted serious powers, backed by legislated fines or imprisonment, relating to truth in electoral advertising. It’s all doable, we just need the political will to restore some dignity to the existing circus.

– Bruce Hulbert, Lilyfield, NSW