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Open letter to Aussie PM calls for anti-corruption watchdog

Xinhua, January 14, 2017 Adjust font size:

A swathe of high profile Australians on Saturday called on Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull to immediately establish an anti-corruption watchdog after recent indiscretions led to the resignation of his Health Minister Sussan Ley.

The letter, signed by more than 40 public figures, includes the signatures of former Western Australia Premier Geoff Gallop, along with lawyers, prosecutors and academics.

Signatories were adamant that the institution of a watchdog will bring about increased accountability for politicians and restore the waning trust in the federal parliament by the general public.

"The public is sick and tired of the lack of accountability revealed by repeated scandals involving federal politicians and others," the letter said.

"It's time to create an independent anti-corruption watchdog to investigate and expose corruption and serious misconduct at the federal level, including among federal parliamentarians."

Turnbull has insisted a new authority will be created, with its objective to monitor all work-related expenses of federal politicians to provide greater transparency. Endit