What we're talking about

Merlene Crawford on Bob Maumill hangs up the mic It is great sadness, Bob, that you are leaving the airways. You made my afternoons. Please consider gracing the airways ... more
Anna on Bob Maumill hangs up the mic Dear Bob: I will miss your cheerful voice and down-to- earth approach on thought- provoking topics covered in your programs. ... more
lee goodacre on Bob Maumill hangs up the mic its about time they pulled your kind off the air! haha..with ur filth and depravity haha..perth will miss the jugaunaut of ... more
michael on Bob Maumill hangs up the mic sorry your gone bob ,you were a wealth of knowledge humour and always lifted my spirits,take care mate we will all miss you more
Jack on Bob Maumill hangs up the mic Bob, why you always do that? You give us the best and versatile show and then leave. You are the only one at 6PR with such ... more
fergal on Bob Maumill hangs up the mic all the best mate your a real radio legend a great laugh but always got the important points across when it mattered have a ... more
george on Bob Maumill hangs up the mic What a shame, a Great Radio Man, down to earth no bulls**t, Bob would have made a great Pollie, i for one will be sorry to ... more
Simon on Bob Maumill hangs up the mic Bob, will miss you on 6PR buddy, take care mate and enjoy your retirement. more
cheryl on Bob Maumill hangs up the mic so going to miss you Bob more
Brett Clements on Bob Maumill hangs up the mic I will miss your show Bob. Unfortunately I tuned into 6pr in the past 6 months and I loved every minute of you on air ... more
Wayne on Bob Maumill hangs up the mic Bob your retirement is a loss to the listeners. Your humour is second to none and is what I looked forward to daily. So far ... more
chas robinson on Bob Maumill hangs up the mic listened to your dribble in Perth, Sydney all around OZ for years.Now in retirement in Phuket. At least you were on the ... more
Miss Understood on Bob Maumill hangs up the mic Poppy - my afternoons will never be the same again. I wish you nothing but luck with life and love. May the best of your ... more
Norma Miller on Bob Maumill hangs up the mic Oh! Bob how sad that you are going. I am coming from Cairns next week just to listen to you (and Howard) I am in shock that ... more
Nigel Onamade on Bob Maumill hangs up the mic So sad to hear that you are leaving Bob. So who is going to take over the "grand father" role at the station now? Wishing ... more
Maureen on Bob Maumill hangs up the mic Bob you will be sorely missed in the afternoons. No one can take your place but I am sure that Ted will try hard good luck ... more
Nancy Powell on Bob Maumill hangs up the mic Bob Maumill, our family have been listening to you for many years and enjoyed it. I guess we don't expect you to stay on ... more
Ross Bailey on Bob Maumill hangs up the mic Dear Bob Have been listening to you for years, you will be surely missed, best wishes for the future and look forward to ... more
Bazza on Bob Maumill hangs up the mic Mr Maumill, came over from the UK 3 years ago and accidentally tuned to 6PR and have been avid listener since. Your show in ... more
sandra on Bob Maumill hangs up the mic Hi Bob will miss your sexy voice in the afternoon and your great sense of humour. Goodluck in your retirement but please ... more

Cash for Access

Posted by: Bob Maumill | 23 June, 2009 - 11:43 AM

If lending the Prime Minister a second hand Ute, with no favours given, is a scandal, then what about donations of cash and services given to political parties?

What about those millions that business and individuals donate to campaigns of political parties and politicians?

And consider the way parties and politicians leave loopholes in legislation so that donors who want anonymity get it.

And lets not forget those $1000 a ticket breakfast or lunch or dinner functions where those who can afford it, get access to ministers.

And then there are those political coteries where the well heeled, buy their way in, and have regular access to high powered political guest speakers including Prime Ministers and Ministers.

Our system of political donations invites malpractice and “cash for access.”

“Cash for access” is a major fund raising exercise practiced by both major parties.

For years the wealthy and well connected have been using financial donations and the inflated price of a ticket to eat in the same room as political heavyweights and to gain access when the mingling process starts.

Then there are the invitations to corporate boxes at the football or races or golf or cricket. Nice way to get access, great way to get the ear of the powerful.

It’s been going on for years.

The big parties exploit the system that’s why Utegate is a beat up and a farce.

Blog comments

Dear Bob,
I think it is the possible misleading of parliament that is the salient feature of utegate and therefore it hardly qualifies for your characterization of it as "a beat up and a farce".

Regards
Patrick

patrick Thursday 25 June, 2009 - 3:02 PM
Hi Bob,

Politicans and there sidekicks are famous for one thing and one thing only.
They have the ability to get people to vote for them.
NOTHING ELSE

Grant

Grant Thursday 25 June, 2009 - 1:41 PM