Brian Walters SC
In the case of Jim Cox, money was offered for him to vote against his own party. This was secret. It was a bribe. In the case of Bob Brown, a package of media benefits was offered to a political party to secure the vote of that political party on a particular issue. Morally, it was a bribe. No question. Legally, this is not at all clear. In fact, on the account given, it is quite unlikely to lead to a successful prosecution. Not just because it was one person’s word against another, but because of the very elusive nature of the “offer”. I am amazed at these blogs not realizing the ubiquity of this kind of conduct – and the inadequacy of current laws to deal with it. Politicians get favourable treatment from the media for the “right” policies almost every day. If we’re to change that, we have to change the laws. Read more, Comment here
