The Hon. Tony Fitzgerald AC KC developed a set of principles – or charter of governance for those in public office, or candidates for public office, viz,

1. To act honourably and fairly and solely in the public interest;

2. To treat all citizens equally;

3. To tell the truth;

4. Not to mislead or deceive;

5. Not to withhold or obfuscate information to which voters are entitled;

6. Not to spend public money except for public benefit; and

7. Not to use your position or information gained from your position for your benefit or the benefit of a family member, friend, political party or other related entity.

Voters are increasingly losing faith in democracy and believe some politicians do not behave honourably and with integrity, and that they act duplicitously.

‘To abandon facts is to abandon freedom. If nothing is true, then no one can criticize power, because there is no basis upon which to do so. If nothing is true, then all is spectacle. The biggest wallet pays for the most blinding lights.’

Timothy Snyder, On Tyranny (2017)

Increasingly, it is believed, democracy, equality and equity are losing out to entrenched elitism and privilege.

An email has been sent to candidates for the electorate of Page inviting each to publicly endorse the Fitzgerald Principles prominently on their websites during the 2025 Federal election. (Websites are nominated as these are designed for hosting content and information rather than social media platforms which are designed for user interaction and sharing.)

For candidates to publicly commit to the Fitzgerald Principles, and to act on them, would assist in restoring public trust and faith in politics. Not to do so would illustrate an individual candidate’s disdain for integrity in politics and thus undeserving of public office.

Robert Cameron, Corndale