Former Speaker of the Victorian Parliament, Ken Coghill, argues the case for introducing a Code of Conduct for parliamentarians. (The Conversation, 6.8.15)
‘The Speaker has the opportunity and the responsibility to lead the cultural climate within the parliament. This is essential to underpin ethical conduct. Not only should their conduct be exemplary and beyond reproach, but the Speaker should take every opportunity to subtly remind MPs of the responsibilities they bear to act in the public interest and in compliance with the spirit and letter of a code.
‘The new Speaker can earn a place in history by leading the implementation and rigorous enforcement of a code of conduct for MPs.’