More than 25 years ago, Tony Fitzgerald QC headed an inquiry into police corruption in Queensland. Of late, there have been rumblings, not so much of corruption; rather, a government that seems to be bypassing democratic processes to instigate new legislation. Breaking a silence on Queensland government practices and the issue of democracy, Mr Fitzgerald has written an article exclusively for brisbanetimes.com.au, which he titles "Power and the Inconvenience of Truth". The article runs unedited, and in full.

Power and the Inconvenience of Truth

Tony Fitzgerald QC.

In practical terms, democracy for most Australians means little more than a periodic obligation to choose between two major parties which, according to the Commonwealth Parliament's Education Office, "exist to represent the interests of different groups and individuals in society; their ultimate goal is to have members elected to represent these interests." The public interest isn't mentioned.

Voters, most of whom aren't members or supporters of any party, often have no real choice because one major party has so disgraced itself that it's unelectable.