In praise of auditors-general, the pterodactyls that keep politicians honest

By Jacob Saulwick
December 7 2016 - 6:30pm
Construction of the light rail line along George Street shows few signs of progress.  Photo: Steven Siewert
Construction of the light rail line along George Street shows few signs of progress. Photo: Steven Siewert
"Overall governance ... is inadequate": Auditor-General Margaret Crawford.  Photo: Supplied
"Overall governance ... is inadequate": Auditor-General Margaret Crawford. Photo: Supplied

Gladys Berejiklian's claim that the cost of Sydney's CBD tram line grew by half a billion dollars because trams and stops would be larger and better never made any sense. And, finally, no one needs to pretend that it does. Thanks to NSW Auditor-General Margaret Crawford, the Treasurer and former transport minister's claim can be dismissed for what it always was: probably a lie, perhaps wilful ignorance, possibly mere incompetence.