Friday 7 March 2008 
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I think the issues of accountability, standards and general matters of crisis have been done enough for you this week. So to somewhat buck the trend I want to pull out a positive for the NSW Government this week!!! After first announcing it in 2004, the Government introduced legislation to make the "act of drink spiking itself" a crime that will result in up to 2 years imprisonment. Prior to this legislation I understand that the only acts that could be prosecuted were after the drink spiking itself - so it is undoubtedly a step forward for the state and will hopefully deter anyone who would contemplate such a despicable act. The only disappointment in this legislation was that an amendment proposed by Shadow Attorney-General Greg Smith was not supported. It is a shame there seems to be an unwritten rule that any ideas or suggestions from the other side of the chamber cannot be supported. Greg Smith has a huge amount of respected legal experience and he identified a loophole that should have been closed. Still it might not have been perfect but, I think NSW moved forward on this issue this week. With a positive there is always a negative and in this context the "Truth in Advertising" Bill fills the latter category. Don Page (the Nationals MP for Ballina) has called on the NSW Parliament to adopt some South Australian legislation that makes inaccurate and misleading political adverting an offence. Now I know you might think that Parliament would just tick the box and move on, as of course that principle would be a slam dunk (ie yes yes just get on to the next Bill). Well I am sorry to report the Bill was opposed by the Iemma Government. Yes that is right their response was they don't want truth in advertising, as it would be “too hard to administer”. Sorry say that again? "Truth is... unworkable in practice". In my speech on this matter, which is on the website if you want to read, was premised on "Why are we debating this Bill?". In looking at the eyes of members opposite they were clearly uncomfortable knowing they had been sent to defend a position that "we don't want truth in advertising". I am hoping that the community responds to some of the reports on this subject today, as surely some issues must be above politics. Until next week. Cheers Mike Add to:          Write Comment
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