Transparency experts have criticised as “absolute rubbish” Scott Morrison’s claims that the resignations of New South Wales Liberal premiers Nick Greiner and Barry O’Farrell show the Independent Commission Against Corruption is a “kangaroo court”. On the defensive after effectively ditching his commitment to create a federal anti-corruption body, Morrison complained on Friday that the NSW Icac had resulted in politicians quitting “too many times”. Morrison accused the Icac of “quite disgracefully” airing Berejiklian’s relationship in public, prompting her resignation. Stephen Charles, a former judge of the Victorian court of appeal and board member of the Centre for Public Integrity, told Guardian Australia Morrison’s comments about NSW Icac were “ridiculous”. It’s fatuous nonsense.”Barrister Geoffrey Watson, counsel assisting the NSW Icac at the time of O’Farrell’s resignation, said Morrison’s comments were “absolute rubbish”.

Source: The Guardian April 22, 2022 17:41 UTC