Both Sides Now: Crikey readers call for Porter to stand aside … mostly

Crikey readers came out in force to continue Leslie Cannold’s Both Sides Now debate on whether Attorney-General Christian Porter should be stood aside while an investigation takes place — and whether an investigation should take place at all — into allegations made against him. Porter dismissed the idea of standing down during a statement denying the allegations.

And while readers had a good idea of what Cannold was getting at, as always there were many sides to the issue. Here’s what you thought:

Barbara Kameniar

I think an inquiry is vital regardless of whether Porter is shown to be innocent (or guilty) because the allegations throw a dark shadow over the office of the A-G as well as the A-G himself. Personally can’t stand the man but he has a right to an inquiry. Weird he doesn’t want one.

Rick Kelson

I firmly believe that Porter should resign or be sacked. Whether he is innocent or not, his integrity and honesty are in question and will forever be questionable. That makes his staying in a position as a minister untenable as the Australian public — the voters — do not trust or have faith in him.

The misogynistic “boys’ club” attitude and lack of accountability and transparency from the federal government consistently undermines Australian values, procedural fairness and the rights of all people to be safe in the workplace — or anywhere, for that matter.

Scott Morrison and his current cabinet are out of touch with what Australians value and want and their lack of support for women in parliament and elsewhere is not appropriate or consistent with what politicians’ standards should be.

Carol Neill

There needs to be an independent inquiry. Porter will not be convicted but the nation pays his wages. He and Morrison are paid by the Australian people and we want — as do the woman’s parents — to know this is being addressed properly.

Yes, we understand that a police investigation is not possible but that does not change the fact that the deception, lies and boys’ club in Parliament must be investigated. How women’s claims are dismissed while men’s claims are held up as the God’s truth are absolutely soul-destroying.

Theresa Hollis

No one is perfect. Porter has made mistakes in his life, and who hasn’t. But to condemn him for something which may or may not have happened without definite proof? No, he should not have to resign.

Paul Brittan

Porter maintains he is the senior law officer of the land. This is indeed a position of honour and more than anything should be seen that way. Should he stand down while an independent investigation is conducted? Well, if he was a teacher would he be asked to step down for the duration? A rhetorical question. Of course as he absolutely would.

If there is any hint of impropriety or any possibility of being unfit for office there should be an immediate investigation, providing there is some credible information. There is some precedent in these matters, even in politics. Neville Wran, while premier of New South Wales, stepped aside as an investigation was conducted — although it is arguable he was not particularly a pillar of the political culture.

Cannold’s case for an investigation is compelling. However, her case against is a rehash of all the glib Morrison comments. She also states in that case that the private lives of consenting adults should not be held up to public scrutiny. The flawed premise is that there was consent. The assertion of rape precludes consent. Does Cannold believe there should be an investigation? I believe she does.

Greg Hood

My view is that an inquiry is essential because of the privilege, prestige and power invested in the role of Commonwealth attorney-general, and the unresolved question mark over the fitness of the incumbent.

The circumstances of the accusations raise the kinds of questions that ought to be assessed by the most highly competent minds, as independent as possible of political interference, and with terms of reference that are not contrived in the manner of numerous other political inquiries this government has instituted.

It may be impossible to determine the truth adequately to determine whether Porter is a fit and proper person to continue in any role as a minister of the Crown, let alone attorney-general. In my opinion, the public good of having a person of the highest character in such a role is fundamental.

Without an inquiry, the question will hang over Porter unresolved. It is impossible to resolve by stonewalling the issue.