John McKechnie on integrity, corruption and public accountability

Will Partlett speaks with John McKechnie, former Western Australian Director of Public Prosecutions, Supreme Court judge and Corruption and Crime Commissioner, about the limits of “integrity” as an institutional slogan. McKechnie reflects on WA Inc, the creation of independent prosecution and anti-corruption bodies, and why corruption commissions must do more than promote good culture. They must investigate misconduct, expose failures and help ensure public power is exercised for public purposes.SHOW NOTES: 00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro01:06 Why Law School02:24 Early Practice and Crown Move04:12 Creating the DPP06:09 WA Inc Taskforce Years07:42 Epiphany to the Bench09:37 Judge vs Prosecutor Mindset11:18 Taking the CCC Job13:19 CCC Powers and Jurisdiction14:46 Prosecutions and Proof Limits19:07 What Integrity Really Means28:06 Velvet Glove Iron Fist30:36 Wrap Up and Thanks