Politics, ethics and the role of the media
by Simon Longstaff
It is interesting to note that the practice of politics used to be regarded as the most noble of the professions. Its reputation arose because of an early presumption that politics was all about trying to discover and implement answers to fundamental questions concerning the nature of the ‘good’ life.
Things seem to have changed. There can be little doubt that the reputation and standing of Australia's politicians is at a low ebb in the minds of the electorate. Whether or not this reputation is deserved in individual cases is beside the point.
The Speaker of the New South Wales Parliament, the Hon Kevin Rozzoli, MP has done much to set the agenda for debate. Most recently, members of the parliamentary Committee on the ICAC have been reviewing pecuniary interest provisions and the need for a code of conduct for Members of Parliament.
St James Ethics Centre has responded to an invitation to make a submission. In its submission, the Centre draws attention to the special responsibilities of elected representatives in a democracy. Above all, the preservation of democracy depends on the generation and maintenance of a well-founded basis for trust between the people and those who would govern. With this in mind, there is much to be said for a policy of ensuring that the parliamentary process is made transparent and that elected representatives seek to adhere to the highest standards of probity.
Codes of conduct and Registers of pecuniary interest can only do so much. It should be understood that they will be of only limited use if Members ignore their provisions. As a consequence of this, it is important to stress the need for politicians to receive positive feed-back whenever they do that which is positive and conducive of the public good.
The portrayal of politicians by the media is such that one might, inadvertently, form the impression that politicians never do anything positive (let alone anything noble and constructive) for society's benefit. the media plays a vital role in keeping the public informed of issues of the moment.
As its best, investigative journalism can bring to light matters of profound public importance. However, one needs to recognise that the power of the media is rarely seen in terms of the good that can be promoted. Rather the media 's contribution has been measured in terms of the harms that have been prevented. The cynical might suggest that it is no coincidence that prevailing orthodoxy maintains that 'bad news' sells.
Yet, this limited view fails to recognise that the media can have a very positive effect on the motivation of politicians who are struggling to improve the standard of their conduct. What point is there in giving a thoughtful speech in the House when it is only the contribution of the 'head-kicker' which is reported? Why take the trouble to develop complex policies of high quality when only those aspects of politics capable of being reduced to a 'sound-bite' are likely to be reported? Why contribute to public debate when there are doubts that the issues will be given a balanced coverage?
When raised by politicians questions such as these tend to be dismissed as an exaggerated response by sensitive individuals with vested interests. Whether or not politicians have thick skins is beside the point. The significance of these questions is that they suggest that journalists and commentator have the capacity to further develop their distinctive contribution by acknowledging (and thereby encouraging) the work of the politician who aspires to and achieves the highest standards of public service and propriety.
Virtue may be its own reward; but in politics, as in life, a little recognition never goes astray.
discuss this articleDr Simon Longstaff is Executive Director of St James Ethics Centre.
This article was first published in City Ethics (now Living Ethics), issue 6, summer 1992.
© St James Ethics Centre