Inside the Canberra bubble
“It is vitally important that all politicians, whether they are backbenchers or ministers, or leaders, maintain the highest possible standard of proper conduct and integrity.”
– Liberal Senator
Parliament House in Canberra is a hotbed of political intrigue and high tension. Leadership challenges and tightly fought votes are covered exhaustively by the media, but what happens after hours has long been governed by the idea that what happens in Canberra stays in Canberra.
“One of the problems with the culture in Canberra is that you’ve got all of these people, you know, politicians, staffers, away from home, a stressful environment, late hours, too much alcohol…and I think people often lose sight of the fact that there are standards of behaviour and conduct which have to be maintained.”
– Former Prime Minister
It’s known as the “Canberra Bubble” and it operates in an atmosphere that seems far removed from how modern Australian workplaces are expected to function.
“I’ve been in politics a long time and sexism, unfortunately has been a feature of it for all that period.”
– Labor Senator
On Monday, this Four Corners investigation questions the conduct of some of the most senior politicians in the nation.
“This isn’t about party politics. This is about the nation’s Parliament.”
– Greens Senator
It is replayed on Tuesday 10th November at 10.00am and Wednesday 11th at 11.20pm. It can also be seen on ABC NEWS channel on Saturday at 8.10pm AEST, ABC iview and at abc.net.au/4corners.
