The problem with Australian politics is that the two dinosaur parties, have simply been in power far too long. Federally, about 114 years between them, even longer within the states. Although the conservatives have gone under various names in that period the have shared the job with Labor. Neither party has much internal democracy when it comes to choosing candidates and determining policy. That is interesting as they see themselves as an integral part of the democratic process, but don't apply democracy to themselves. For both Labor and Liberal its a case of "we are the natural political overlords", when they are in power they see that as being the natural way of things, and when not in power they see it as mistake and therefore a temporary aberration and they will inevitably be back in power soon. The dinosaur parties are just too comfortable with themselves, and their born to rule mentality needs a kick in the backside. There are alternative and the people should embrace them.

Paul, all alternative political parties are no better than Liberals/Nats and Labor. Just smaller and not yet in a position to become JUST as corrupt. Politics corrupts.

People on one side do all they can to cover up "their" side's corruption, and then proceed exploit and expose the corruption of other sides.

Democracy and politics go hand in hand. Politics and corruption go hand in hand. Neither democracy nor politics is the solution. What's the solution? I don't know. Humanity knows of only 3 systems, democracy (with all it's variations) and dictatorship (with all it's variations) and anarchy. So far, nothing else exists.

o sung wu,

There have been politicians who have been child molesters too and likely there will be more. However when a politician or anyone else in a leadership position is convicted of an offence s/he will soon find that the punishment is severe and intended as a lesson to others in positions of trust.

I believe that there is far less corruption in the private and public sectors than in the decades before. If you could have seen the progress made in improving government for instance. But alas, where the media is concerned, good news doesn't attract an audience. As well, there are few good investigative journalists to report it even if the editors encouraged such reporting.

There are much higher ethical standards now and far better behaviour as any student of government will tell you. One area that could be improved though is ministerial accountability.

Where there is no change is in the scoundrels who take advantage and abuse our trust. They will always try to wriggle their way out and they are almost always clever manipulators of the people who trusted them, and they can play the media too.

You asked what the public can do. One thing the public should always do is recognise those who have give service and not assume they are always in it for personal gratification and gain. In fact few are like that. A bit of respect would go a long way too. It is thoroughly deserved by many in public positions and they are even more upset by those who let the side down.

Hi there NHOJ...

Regrettably, I'm bound to acknowledge that much of what you've asserted in terms of the inherently fallacious nature of the human soul, being essentially dysfunctional is probably true ? However, your pessimistic auguries for the future of human kind, is fundamentally flawed in my view ?

There's little doubt the world is facing some of the worst instances of human and financial chaos in living memory. Thus making it extremely difficulty to see a more positive future for us all.

Still at an age approaching seventy five, I cannot but hope there are many people out there who'll never yield to unbridled avarice and materialism, but instead spread around some of the huge levels of beneficence and altruism that abound in some of the world's richest nations. Interestingly, greed equates to accessing corrupt activities. Corruption feeds on mans need for power and materialistic exigency, or 'force majeure'.

Hi there ONTHEBEACH...

Speaking of what we might loosely refer to as 'political criminals' - I believe you're quite correct when you say there is less corrupt activity amongst the ranks of both the private and public sectors then years past. Still there's corrupt behaviour apparent amongst those who are required to represent us. Whereas any untoward activity perpetrated amongst our leaders should be a 'zero'.

If our lawmakers can't be trusted, then who can we trust ? I also agree with what you say, apropos those who do fall, and are subsequently discovered ? They are (and should be), punished heavily as well as being publically humiliated ? It is only through such a measure, you may hope to stamp out any corruption - punishment by example !

Years back, we had a specific charge called 'Larceny as a servant'. Often any individual convicted of such a crime was usually punished more severely than a normal, 'common law' Larceny offence. Generally, during the normal 'ratio', the presiding judge would surmise, because a 'servant' (eg Bank Teller) had a greater degree of trust placed upon him, than normal his crime amounted to a greater degree of dishonesty, which usually meant a more severe penalty ? The same reasoning should therefore apply to all politicians, in my view. And as you've correctly asserted herein, it probably does ?

Thanks again ONTHEBEACH

Hi there PAUL1405...

Yes, I think you're right. Both parties have this opinion they are born to rule, no matter what the circumstances are ? A case of mutually agreeing to swap the 'spoils of the Electorate' around almost ? You take government for the next two terms, then you turn it over to us ? Sounds absurd, but who knows ?

We need a brand new political party with an immensely strong leadership coterie, to come in and sweep all before it ! A group with the best of old Labour, as well as the best from the LNP. Of course we'll see it...when ?

You mentioned there are alternatives ? Surely you don't mean the Greens ? You know there's enough substance in the 'Greens' for the entire 'Royal Australian & New Zealand College of Psychiatrists' to have their Annual 2014 Conference !

Thanks for your contribution.