In a column published in The Age, The Sydney Morning Herald and The Brisbane Times, Bevan Shields writes that a central theme of the newly convened Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) inquiry is the way political operatives discarded their own chances at a clean slate.

Shields—a senior political commentator—does not name individual witnesses in the column or set out specific allegations. Instead, he focuses on a pattern he says unites many of those appearing before the commission: they had, at some point, been given the opportunity to reset their careers or reputations, and yet still engaged in conduct now under scrutiny. He characterises that combination as making their actions "even more stupid."

The column is explicitly a work of commentary rather than a report on evidence presented to ICAC. It reflects a broader public interest in the NSW corruption watchdog's latest investigation, which has drawn attention to the practices of political operatives and their dealings within the state's political system.

ICAC is an independent body with powers to investigate allegations of corruption in the NSW public sector, including conduct that could involve elected officials, party operatives and public servants. Its proceedings are not criminal trials, and witnesses are generally afforded procedural fairness, including the opportunity to respond to evidence. Findings are made after the commission has heard all evidence, and matters may be referred to prosecuting authorities if corruption is found.

Shields' column is likely to sharpen debate over accountability and the so-called revolving door between political campaigns, government offices and lobbying. Some readers may share his frustration at the pattern he describes; others may caution against drawing conclusions before ICAC completes its work. The commission itself has made no findings in the current inquiry, and the article does not claim that it has.

The publication of the same column across three major News Corp?—actually Nine—outlets gives it a wide audience, underlining the sustained media attention on the inquiry and the political culture it is examining.