House Of Ill Repute

As a review stalks bullies in the corridors of power, Parliament’s lid needs lifting.

- Bill Ralston

Bullying. It seems to be the political theme of the year, with allegations flying against sacked minister Meka Whaitiri, Botany MP Jami-Lee Ross, National MP Maggie Barry and stood down Retirement Commissioner Diane Maxwell. So much so that Parliament’s Speaker, Trevor Mallard, has launched an inquiry into politicians’ bullying, and other misbehaviour, by independent reviewer Debbie Francis.

Long-time political reporter Duncan Garner (whom I regard as a friend) recently said about Parliament, in a description that could have come out of the mouth of gonzo journalist Hunter S Thompson, “It was the worst of the worst. It’s a place where good people go to die and survivors must become feral to win.”

Bullying, however, is in the eye of the beholder. I recall an old press gallery journalist complaining to me a few years ago about what he regarded as bullying of himself by Garner and another journalist.