Six months after its 2025 re-election, the Australian Government (Albanese Government) faces serious integrity challenges. This report card assesses the Government’s actions – and inaction – across key democratic safeguards: transparency, merit-based appointments, limits on undue influence, strengthening the public service and support for the institutions that hold power to account.

At this early stage in its term, the paper urges the Government to reset course – to honour its commitments to transparency, respect for Parliament, robust checks and balances, and action to stamp out corruption and undue influence. 

Key recommendations for Government

• Commission a full, independent review of the freedom of information (FOI) system.
• Release the the 2023 Briggs Review of Public Sector Board Appointments and legislate transparent, merit-based appointment processes across the public sector.
• Close loopholes in lobbying regulations and introduce a transparent, comprehensive framework that promotes integrity, accountability, and equality of access.
• Restore staff allocations for Opposition and Independent MPs to ensure Parliament can effectively perform its oversight role.
• Strengthen the Public Interest Disclosure and Other Legislation Amendment (Whistleblower Protections) Bill 2025 to ensure robust, independent, and accessible protections for those who speak up about wrongdoing.