I have been writing to my local candidates in the election asking them to support the introduction of legislation, in the first term of the new parliament, to establish a Commission to review government business and reporting directly to the Speaker of the House and President of the Senate in parliament. I want candidates to make a public commitment to it.

The Commission would be something similar to ICAC in NSW and have power to subpeona documents, members of parliament, advisers, public servants, defence and intelligence personnel. It would investgate complaints, matters referred to it by parliament or standing committes and do its own independent audits and investigations of processes as well. It would have as part of its charter an enforceable ministerial code of conduct. It would have public hearings and publicly release its recommendations. Recommendations could include recommendations that a minister resign, further investigation by Federal Police and civil and criminal charges being referred to prosecutors or administrative reviews and improvement to processes. A judge or similar would be required to head the body.

I would like other voters to do the same and for one of the sites like Not Happy John or others to post a regular tally of those candidates that support the proposal or not and list them by electorate. Voters can then see who is serious about accountable government and who may be trusted. The election is about trust isn't it?

This action is not party political it is about developing a mechanism for accountability in government and making democracy stronger.

NHJ!(HA): This is a very important idea, and has the benefit in this most pragmatic of moments of being beyond, 'Not Happy John', whilst indeed being NHJ. Anthony emailed me a model form of the letter he wrote and I'm pasting it here. My own feeling is that this could be taken up by NHJ as a broad campaign. Feedback is welcome.

MP/Candidate
Federal Member for or Candidate for
Address

Dear (Insert name);

I propose that every candidate for this election make a public pledge that she/he will support the introduction of legislation, before for the end of the first session of the new parliament, to establish a Commonwealth Government Commission for Review, to investigate all government business. It may function in a similar way to the NSW ICAC or equivalent bodies in other States. I am writing to seek your public support for such a body.

This body will report directly to the Speaker of the House and President of the Senate. A judge or someone similar should head the body and senior appointments should be approved by both houses of parliament. Its findings will include recommendations of charges and investigation of matters by Federal Police. Hearings and determinations will be given in public. The Body will have authority to subpoena documents and files relating to all government business and to subpoena all members of parliament, public servants, defence and intelligence personnel as well as staff employed in minister