Australia’s integrity agencies can only hold power to account when they are independent in practice, not just in law. This paper argues that integrity agency independence depends on three institutional levers: secure funding, merit-based appointments and robust oversight. It outlines reforms to strengthen these levers and better secure the independence of Australia’s core integrity agencies. 

Within Australia’s integrity system sit three core institutions: the auditor-general, anti-corruption commissions and ombudsmen. This paper focuses on these institutions, warning that executive control over budgets, broad discretion in appointments and weak oversight arrangements can expose these bodies to political pressure and undermine public confidence.

Current arrangements often leave the agencies responsible for scrutinising government dependent on government for resources, leadership selection and accountability structures. The paper provides 11 recommendations, including a separate appropriation process, an Independent Funding Panel, transparent public appointment processes, independent selection panels, cross-party parliamentary scrutiny and specialised inspectors where agencies exercise coercive powers.