BLOG: Parlous state of politics

Two events in the last week serve to highlight both the parlous state of politics and the importance of investigative journalism. First, the revelations of the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) hearings; second, the verdict finding Bradley Manning guilty of espionage. These decisions both have profound ramifications not only for journalism but also for federal politics. The stench of corruption surrounding the NSW Labor Party has become stronger following the ICAC recommendations that Eddie Obeid and Ian Macdonald be charged with criminal offences.