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 Intro 01:06 Why Law School 02:24 Early Practice and Crown Move 04:12 Creating the DPP 06:09 WA Inc Taskforce Years 07:42 Epiphany to the Bench 09:37 Judge vs Prosecutor Mindset 11:18 Taking the CCC Job 13:19 CCC Powers and Jurisdiction 14:46 Prosecutions and Proof Limits 19:07 What Integrity Really Means 28:06 Velvet Glove Iron Fist 30:36 Wrap Up and Thanks