Academics call for honesty in government; ABC News; September 26, 2004 - 10:05AM

Academics from almost every public university in Australia have urged Prime Minister John Howard and Opposition Leader Mark Latham to restore the nation's reputation for honest government. More than 380 senior academics, including 160 professors, have released a joint statement demanding more honesty and independence from whoever wins the October 9 election. They said Australia's reputation had been tarnished by a string of events, including the children overboard affairs, Iraq's weapons of mass destruction and the reasons for going to war there.

"This federal election provides an opportunity for both Mr Howard and Mr Latham to pledge that they will insist on truth and genuine accountability in government," they said. The academics include Professor Tony McMichael from the Australian National University, Professor Ann Daniel from the University of NSW, Professor Bob White from the University of Western Australia, Professor Robyn McDermott from the University of South Australia, Professor Verity Burgmann from the University of Melbourne, Professor Roger Fay from the University of Tasmania and Professor Clive Bean from the Queensland University of Technology. The academics cover a range of disciplines, from economics to pharmacy.

They said it was time for independence, impartiality and decency in the Australian public service. "In the last weeks of the election campaign the leaders of the major parties are asked to address these issues," they said. "They should not be allowed to avoid them."
The statement follows a letter from 43 senior former diplomats and defence officials who earlier this year also called for a return to honesty in government.

© 2004 AAP