Danielle Wood warns politicians: stop attacking institutions to dodge debate
Productivity Commission chair Danielle Wood warned that political attacks on institutions erode public trust and prevent honest policy debate.
Danielle Wood chairs the Productivity Commission. Speaking in Sydney, she warned that governments undermine public trust when they attack institutions instead of debating policy.
She targeted WA Premier Roger Cook's recent dismissal of a Productivity Commission report as coming from "east coast clowns". Wood said the difference matters enormously.
When leaders criticise an institution's position on one issue, that is different from attacking whether it is fair and honest. Climate scientists have faced similar attacks.
Ongoing criticism of expertise erodes trust and makes real debate impossible. Wood said Australia has avoided the worst institutional distrust seen in the US.
But name-calling instead of evidence must not become normal here. She praised Treasurer Jim Chalmers and the public for supporting the Productivity Commission when it faced fire.
- Productivity Commission chair
- Danielle Wood
- Western Australian Premier
- Roger Cook
- Treasurer
- Jim Chalmers
Why it mattersWhen politicians attack institutions rather than argue policy, it corrodes the shared facts needed for democratic debate.
