The Federal Parliament is central to Australia’s system of representative democracy. Given the importance of the Federal Parliament, it is crucial that it operates effectively and that Australians retain trust in it, so that Australia’s system of government can meet the contemporary expectations of citizens and serve the public interest. 

This report from the Susan McKinnon Foundation proposes 37 practical, feasible, impactful and evidence-based reform opportunities to improve trust and confidence in the Federal Parliament. 

Ultimately, any reform to the operation of Parliament will only be successful if it is endorsed and supported by a broad range of parliamentarians, who have unique experience and expertise that only comes with being elected representatives. The report encourages parliamentarians to use available mechanisms to consider these reform opportunities further and build a consensus around the highest priority reforms. 

Key reform opportunities include those relating to: 

• securing the independence and impartiality of the Presiding Officers
• improving Question Time
• supporting a more transparent and cooperative Parliament
• making Parliament more carer friendly.