IT was very refreshing to see the attorney general and deputy premier announce two weeks ago (The Advertiser 18-1-12) the government had contracted a private firm the task of recovering $47million in lost traffic and other fines.
They were honest enough to admit the government had “lost track” of more than 40,000 people who owed this money.
How long is it since one of our elected leaders have been this candid? I thought it was a brave announcement.
In that context, the response from the opposition justice spokesperson Steven Wade was most ungracious.
While I don’t necessarily disagree with his sentiments about government tardiness, he could at least have applauded John Rau for being up front, admitting defeat and trying a different tack.
This “kick’em at all costs” attitude is what makes so many of our leaders resort to spin and obfuscation.
When somebody in authority is bold enough to cop it sweet and tell the truth, why can’t the other side acknowledge that?
It might actually encourage people to be straight up and honest more often, and our society sure needs that.
Michael Ford, Minlaton