People who claim the law was not broken by the scandal are missing the point. It’s about the conventions and accountability that is embedded in the Westminster system.
This year’s technological adaptations may signal a permanent shift in the way nominating conventions meet and the way voters watch them – but it’s not the first time.
Laws play their role in regulating our governments, but so does our own respect for political conventions. And the way these are upheld goes to the heart of our freedom as democratic people.
The government’s uncontested assessment of national interest and security often trumps the rule of domestic and international law, as well as Australia’s obligations under human rights treaties.
The public service is meant to be independent and bipartisan. But “political” appointments and funding arrangements can hamstring their ability to give fair and frank advice.