Open and Transparent Agenda

This week in Federal politics is a stark reminder that no matter at what level of Government within Australia, eventually autocracy, centralisation of power and decision making, failure to consult with all stakeholders and the presenting a veneer of consultation instead of being real and meaningful is the undoing of all of those that operate in the latter.

The federal Labor installation of Julia Gillard into the position of Prime Minister is a clear and precise example that the Rudd manner of operating and listening to his inexperienced 20-30yr old advisors rather than the voices of experience, reason and consultation, his maintaining a closed door, insider only, centralised decision making system had passed.   Finally Gillard's grassroots community experience has come to the fore and she has declared that a Gillard Government will be more inclusive of stakeholders, engage in consultation and negotiation, that the Cabinet will once again be the overarching decision making body and that openness and transparency will return. Well,  let's see how this pans out.


However the main lesson, irrespective of Gillard's success or otherwise,  is that the community stakeholders are tiring of closed, secretive Governments and that Openness and Transparency is high on the community agenda.   Governments of all levels need to take heed, great heed, of the Rudd lessons. 

All our elected representatives, irrespective of  positions will, if they behave like Rudd, not have the longevity in public office that they think.  The community in general is becoming more aware and vocal on the need for enhanced openness and transparency in public office processes. 

Those in elected office whom are blinkered to this and are ensconced in their own carapace of self satisfaction and importance, should certainly entertain at least a spark of introspection in their current activities, least their own Rudd day befalls them.

That's my Personal View and I look forward to your comments.

Mal