Readers had plenty to say about the resignation of the Independent Commission Against Corruption's chief this week and many smelled a rat. "I do worry that Megan Latham, the impartial, respected head of the ICAC, has been bundled out of office," Jo McGahey, of Belrose, wrote. "Makes me wonder just what is it Mike Baird and his cohorts are so frightened of? What is being buried?"
Pasquale Vartuli, of Wahroonga, could see merit in the changes to the commission the Baird government has introduced: "Three ICAC commissioners will involve some checking and balancing, which will ensure that the anti-corruption watchdog does not, itself, become corrupted by an unbridled power to accuse."
But Ian Harvey, of Ettalong Beach, summed up the more common view: "The lobbyists, spivs, shonks and crooks now have a green light presented to them."
It can only mean one thing, according to Michael Longhurst, of Woolooware: "Sorry Kate McClymont, you and your Herald colleagues will just have to get up earlier and forgo all holidays to stay on top of corruption in NSW. You are now all we have got."
ICAC Commissioner Megan Latham resigned this week rather than reapply for her job. Credit: Brook Mitchell
We'll do our best, Michael.
Readers were also keen to respond to our Sydney 2026 series. There is a deep disquiet about the city's increasing population and fear for its future liveability. Meanwhile, country residents are wondering why policymakers shun decentralisation. Penny Abbott, of Jindabyne, was happy to list the advantages of life outside the metropolis: "No congestion or pollution, friendly bank tellers, affordable housing." She also mentions "slightly eccentric doctors and lengthy trips to the supermarket as we meet a friend in every aisle". Put that way, the Green Acres option looks good.
Julie Lewis Letters co-editor