From gambling and gun policy to Big Tech and fossil fuels, lobbying plays a powerful role in shaping public decisions. But Australia’s federal lobbying system remains opaque, unequal and poorly regulated. 1/ #auspol
@publicintegrity.bsky.social
Since 15 April, Victoria has had no meaningful political finance laws. That means no reliable way for voters to know who is funding political campaigns. This is a serious threat to democratic integrity. 🧵 1/ #auspol #vicpol #politicalfinance
The Big Four enjoy legal protections designed for accountants — even as they make most of their money as consultants. The Centre's Chair, The Hon Anthony Whealy, asks: who is this really protecting? #auspol
But Anthony Whealy, KC, the Chair of the Centre for Public Integrity, an independent research institute, said that response summed up the importance of changing the culture at the commission. 1/ #auspol
The NACC resignation could be a turning point. Integrity agencies exist to hold public power to account. But recent controversies show they also need strong safeguards of their own. New research report released by the Centre today 👇 1/ #auspol
Why do some scandals lead to reform, while others disappear from the news cycle? Nick Feik joins Will Partlett on The Integrity Puzzle to discuss how investigative journalism, whistleblowers, inquiries, crossbench pressure and civil society can help turn exposure into accountability. #auspol
Victoria has no ban on foreign political donations, no donation cap and no disclosure requirement after the High Court struck down its framework. The Centre's Dr Catherine Williams calls the “regulatory vacuum” a “crisis situation” requiring an “emergency response” Link below #auspol
A watchdog without resources cannot properly hold government to account. The 2026–27 Budget cuts the Auditor-General’s funding in real terms — despite repeated warnings the ANAO’s position is unsustainable. Read more in our factsheet: #auspol publicintegrity.org.au/wp-content/u...
The next NACC Deputy Commissioner should be appointed through: • public advertising • published selection criteria • an independent selection panel • full transparency for parliamentary scrutiny Public confidence depends on the integrity of the process. #auspol
@publicintegrity.bsky.social · 4mo agoThe resignation of Deputy Commissioner Nicole Rose is an opportunity to restore confidence — but the replacement must be appointed through a transparent, merit-based and independent process. Read our statement: publicintegrity.org.au/media-releas... #auspol
The resignation of Deputy Commissioner Nicole Rose is an opportunity to restore confidence — but the replacement must be appointed through a transparent, merit-based and independent process. Read our statement: publicintegrity.org.au/media-releas... #auspol
Media release: Resignation of Deputy Commissioner highlights need for transparent, merit-based NACC appointments
The National Anti-Corruption Commission will only succeed if the public has absolute confidence in its independence. That confidence has been shaken. This appointment is an opportunity to restore it —...
publicintegrity.org.au
Anthony Whealy KC, Chair of the Centre for Public Integrity: "Right from the start, the state government enacted this legislation too quickly. This was legislation that didn't ban protests but it did very effectively discourage them." 1/ #auspol
“Victoria must not respond with a quick fix that simply reworks the same problem. Mechanisms like nominated entities have no place in a modern democracy. They distort the system and entrench inequality.” Dr Catherine Williams Executive Director Centre for Public Integrity wp.me/pfU5Sy-aJp #auspol
Media Release: High Court ruling exposes unfair electoral laws — Victoria must fix the system, not patch it
The unanimous High Court decision strikes at the heart of Victoria’s “nominated entity” regime — a mechanism that has enabled major parties to access funding structures not available to independents a...
wp.me
Dr Catherine Williams, executive director of the Centre for Public Integrity, said: “We remain concerned about the rate of non-compliance, as well as the rate at which public interest immunity is relied upon as the basis for that non-compliance.” 1/ #auspol
Withdrawing the nominated entity amendments is the right call — they would have left major-party “war chests” intact and allowed spending outside donation caps. Now Victoria must fix the structural unfairness in political finance laws and implement the 2023 review recommendations. #vicpol
This short video covers the Centre's Report Card on the first six months of Tasmania's Rockliff Government across eight key integrity areas. Read the report here: buff.ly/xZPz8Ml #auspol
Watson, speaking in his role as director for the Centre of Public Integrity, said it was surprising Allan did not know her referral could not be investigated, because the current government had made changes to IBAC’s powers that changed its authority to investigate. 1/ #auspol
Last year’s pre-Christmas parliamentary expenses scandal is still reverberating, with the Remuneration Tribunal now recommending tighter rules for family reunion travel. But here’s the bigger issue: parliamentary life is not family-friendly. 1/ #auspol
New Vod/Podcast: Money, Power and the Constitution Special release this morning for students attending the National Schools Constitutional Convention, where the Centre's Professor Gabrielle Appleby will deliver the keynote address More links 👇 1/ #auslaw #auspol www.youtube.com/watch?v=NINv...
Money, power and the Constitution
YouTube video by The Centre for Public Integrity
youtube.com
The Centre for Public Integrity is calling for the Government to use the new year to strengthen its commitment to transparency. 1/ #auspol
Yesterday, the Senate Committee reviewing the proposed FOI changes released their report... and the Coalition, the Greens, David Pocock and Jackie Lambie all opposed the proposal. #auspol
“There’s an exemption for whenever the prime minister agrees there should be an exemption. That’s a pretty big discretion.” ~ Research Director Professor Gabrielle Appleby #auspol www.theage.com.au/politics/fed...
‘Overpaid political hacks’: Public trust lost over jobs for mates
The recommendations of a long-awaited review into political appointments have been set aside by the federal government.
theage.com.au
Anthony Whealy KC, Chair of the Centre for Public Integrity: "For years, governments of both persuasion have made appointments to senior public positions with absolute disregard for integrity, transparency and accountability." 1/ #auspol www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
‘Jobs for mates’ review is damning – and the government’s response is a failure of the highest order | Anthony Whealy
Despite its high-flown rhetoric, the Albanese government has been tortoise-like in reforming the appointments process. It’s now clear why
theguardian.com
On Tuesday morning, the Centre for Public Integrity said the IEC's establishment would "not solve the NT's integrity crisis". www.abc.net.au/news/2025-11... 1/ #auspol
NT Integrity and Ethics Commissioner established amid opposition
The Northern Territory parliament has passed a bill creating an Integrity and Ethics Commissioner. It will take responsibility for four integrity bodies in the territory, including the anti-corruption...
abc.net.au
The Centre for Public Integrity said with trust in government at an all-time low, bypassing scrutiny and public input would only further undermine confidence in the process. 1/ #auspol www.canberratimes.com.au/story/911810...
Labor faces major roadblocks in bid to pass nature laws
Labor is facing questions over its attempt to fast-track environmental reforms as the government tries to woo its...
canberratimes.com.au
The State Development Bill 2025 (WA) has been presented by the WA Gov as: … bold new legislation… to unlock strategic precincts, fast-track approvals for major strategic projects around the State, and maintain WA as the strongest economy in the nation. But... 1/ #auspol
With the Government moving the Freedom of Information Amendment Bill 2025 through the House, the Centre for Public Integrity has published fact-checks addressing recent Government claims made in response to parliamentary questions about the Bill. 1/ #auspol
In this report, the Centre assesses the Government’s actions — and inaction — across these key democratic safeguards: 🧐transparency 🎩appointments 🤝limits on undue influence 💪bolstering public service ⚖️supporting institutions that hold power to account. 1/ #auspol
Geoffrey Watson SC, director at the Centre for Public Integrity, said it appeared to be an "entirely understandable, simple error". 1/ #auspol www.canberratimes.com.au/story/909036...
This agency refused FOI access to a document, then it released it by mistake
The agency confirmed the administrative error.
canberratimes.com.au