The actions of Prime Minister’s media advisor Michael Forbes may not have passed the test for criminal charges, but they were more than peccadilloes: They were gross breaches of privacy. Forbes also breached his fundamental professional responsibilities.

He had an inalienable duty to conduct himself in a way that would not potentially damage the standing of the office he served, the reputation of its incumbent, or their ability to continue normal business. If he failed in that duty, he had an undeniable responsibility to inform his superiors of his misconduct.

Creating audio recordings of encounters with sex workers and covertly photographing women in public places and in what appeared to be private places falls squarely into the category of conduct that crossed that line. It was, of course, also completely unacceptable on so many other levels.

Among other things, he laid himself open to sinister possibilities. Tracy Watkins, who edits both The Post and the Sunday Star Times, said in her Sunday editorial that Forbes potentially opened himself to blackmail and manipulation that could have seen sensitive material falling into the wrong hands.

As Watkins said: The security implications had beltway insiders abuzz when the story broke in The Post.

However, let’s stick with professional responsibility.

Forbes’ covert actions may have psychological roots that mean he could not see they were wrong. By his own admission he has since undertaken counselling. However, the laying of a complaint with Police – irrespective of the outcome – triggered an entirely different imperative. Continue reading “PM’s disgraced media advisor had an undeniable duty to tell the boss” →