Outrageous!

Karen Witcombe

It is outrageous that magistrate Chris Webster has not seen fit to disqualify himself from hearing matters involving Messrs White and Green. (Labor mate on the bench)
It is equally astonishing that court administrator Jim Connolly sees nothing wrong in this.

Not only must the process be impartial, it must be seen to be so.

Clearly there is an urgent need for our elected representatives and public servants to be instructed in the principles of good governance and how to recognise (and properly respond to) a conflict of interest.

In this State we are confronted on an increasingly regular basis with evidence of incompetence, corruption and contempt for due process on the part of those we choose — and pay — to represent our interests.

When the courts and the people are treated with such disdain, democracy is gravely threatened.

It is past time for us to demand higher standards of public probity and be prepared to use the ballot box and all other legitimate means at our disposal to rid ourselves of those who do not measure up.

Yours sincerely

Karen Witcombe

Calder