I think the real issue here is that there is an “appearance of impropriety”
In my former job I would frequently deal with low and middle level civil servants (both State and Federal). If I invited them to meet me for lunch or asked them to join me for a round of golf they always made sure that they payed their way out of their own pocket. The concern was “the appearance of impropriety” not the actual occurrence.
There is currently some media coverage on this issue regarding Australian defense purchasing policy.
At the end of the day if it is good enough for low and middle level civil servants the Alexander Downers and Kim Beazley’s of this world should have to meet the same standards.
Gazza
In my former job I would frequently deal with low and middle level civil servants (both State and Federal). If I invited them to meet me for lunch or asked them to join me for a round of golf they always made sure that they payed their way out of their own pocket. The concern was “the appearance of impropriety” not the actual occurrence.
There is currently some media coverage on this issue regarding Australian defense purchasing policy.
At the end of the day if it is good enough for low and middle level civil servants the Alexander Downers and Kim Beazley’s of this world should have to meet the same standards.
Gazza