ACT Attorney-General Tara Cheyne’s measured response to the controversy surrounding Mark Parton offers a rare example of judging private conduct by its impact on public duties rather than its value as political ammunition.

It has been more than refreshing to see the direct and non-political way in which the ACT’s first law officer, Tara Cheyne, has reacted to the self-immolation of Liberal opposition leader Mark Parton.

Parton, like so many before him, is under a character attack, with many ready it seems to join a moral crusade to bring him down.

He has admitted to sending a text from a committee hearing: “F… my job is boring, wanna swap?”

He has denied sending it to a sex worker.

The Canberra Times has pursued the story and some within Labor circles have suggested more damaging allegations may come out.

But, just hypothetically, sub in ‘Angus Taylor’ for ‘Mark Parton’.

Imagine the histrionics from a Labor Party under Anthony Albanese, who Bob........

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