Political corruption
NARROWER TERMS
Report
Operation Clara: special report
Operation Clara was an investigation by the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC). This report highlights the need for reforms to the regulation of lobbying in Victoria and makes recommendations to ensure those regulations are in step with other states and territories.
Strategy
Protecting Australia’s whistleblowers: the federal roadmap
Whistleblowers are a vital part of Australian democracy, playing a crucial role in the integrity and accountability of public and private institutions each and every day. This publication sets out the 12 key areas of reform needed to place Australia back on the road to...
Fact sheet
Fact Check: Mark Dreyfus says the government's anti-corruption commission legislation honours its election commitment 'in both form and substance'. Is that correct?
Mark Dreyfus says the government's anti-corruption commission legislation honours its election commitment 'in both form and substance'. Verdict: In the ballpark.
Discussion paper
The importance of public hearings: the case against the “exceptional circumstances” test
This paper argues that the 'exceptional circumstances' test in the Commonwealth’s National Anti-Corruption Commission Bill 2022 is unhelpful, vague and counterproductive. The test will impede the ability of the National Anti-Corruption Commission to uncover corruption and misconduct.
Report
Special report on corruption risks associated with donations and lobbying
This report sets out recommendations for significant improvements to donations and lobbying regulations in Victoria. These recommendations are based on analysis of Victoria's regulatory framework and the experience of other Australian and comparable international jurisdictions and broader research.
Working paper
Anti-corruption and public integrity strategies - insights from new OECD indicators
The experience of OECD countries shows that addressing corruption requires a comprehensive policy approach. The main purpose of this paper is to inform assessment of anti-corruption policies in the OECD Economic Surveys.
Book
How and why to regulate false political advertising in Australia
This open access book provides political, legal and public interest justifications for truth in election advertising legislation and examines the history and state of play of legal experiments with such legislation in Australia.
Report
Operation Watts
This joint investigation, conducted by IBAC and the Victorian Ombudsman, was initiated following allegations of serious corrupt conduct involving Victorian public officers, including Members of Parliament. The joint investigation examined a range of matters, including allegations of misuse of electorate offices, ministerial office staff and...
Position paper
Designing the National Integrity Commission: critical design details
This position paper outlines what the Centre for Public Integrity believes are the essential elements that should form the design of a National Integrity Commission for Australia.
Fact sheet
Fact Check: Scott Morrison says the government's proposed integrity commission would have the powers of a royal commission. Is that correct?
Scott Morrison says the government's proposed integrity commission would have the powers of a royal commission. Is that correct? Verdict: Mr Morrison is cherrypicking.
Briefing paper
Public hearings shine light on corruption: sunlight is the best disinfectant
This briefing paper outlines why public hearings fulfil important functions in corruption investigations.
Position paper
Transparency International Australia's 2022 election position statement
In this election position statement, Transparency International Australia calls on all parties and candidates in the 2022 federal election to commit to making integrity reforms a reality within the next three years.
Book
Papua New Guinea: government, economy and society
Papua New Guinea, a nation of now almost nine million people, continues to evolve and adapt. Edited by Professor Stephen Howes and Professor Lekshmi N. Pillai, this book is highly recommended for students, policy-makers and anyone interested in understanding this complex and fascinating country.
Report
Still toothless: jurisdictional, funding and secrecy issues in the Integrity Commission Tasmania
This report draws on recommendations of the National Integrity Committee, a group of prominent judges and lawyers convened by the Australia Institute. The report compares the Tasmanian Integrity Commission with other integrity bodies around Australia.
Policy
Politics for people, not corporations and billionaires
This policy statement outlines The Greens' policy position on parliamentary standards, political donations and the establishment of a federal integrity commission.
Policy report
Orange Book 2022: policy priorities for the federal government
Building on research and analysis published by Grattan Institute since it was founded 13 years ago, this report identifies reforms to boost incomes, improve health and education, create better transport links, make housing more affordable, generate meaningful progress on climate change, and strengthen Australia’s political...
Discussion paper
Confronting State capture
State capture occurs when powerful or wealthy interests interfere with decision-making and assume a degree of control over the democratic rule-making process itself. This report breaks down six modes of influence used in State capture.
Fact sheet
Fact Check: Anne Ruston says the government's proposed federal integrity commission would have powers 'well in excess' of a royal commission. Is she correct?
In an interview on the ABC's Insiders programme Social Services Minister Anne Ruston defended the strength of the government's proposed Commonwealth Integrity Commission claiming "our particular bill suggests that the powers of the commission are well in excess of a royal commission." Verdict: Senator Ruston's...
Report
Selling out: how powerful industries corrupt our democracy
This report explores how the powerful fossil fuel, gambling and tobacco industries are attempting to take advantage of Australia’s weak integrity laws, thereby distorting the nation's democratic processes, to put profits ahead of society's wellbeing.
Report
Corruption perceptions index 2021
The index offers an annual snapshot of the relative degree of corruption by ranking countries and territories from all over the globe. Two years into the devastating COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) reveals that corruption levels have stagnated worldwide.
Discussion paper
Which watchdog?
This paper asserts that comparing the features of existing state integrity commissions with the models proposed by the federal government, the ALP and Helen Haines, the Morrison Government’s Commonwealth Integrity Commission (CIC) would be the weakest and least effective integrity agency in the country.
Report
Investigation into the regulation of lobbying, access and influence in NSW
This report on Operation Eclipse is an investigation into the regulation of lobbying, access and influence in New South Wales. It examines factors that could either allow, encourage or cause corrupt conduct, or detract from the integrity and good repute of public administration.
Case study
Industry political donations and disclosable payments - case study: the resources and energy industry
New analysis of 20 years of Australian Electoral Commission donation disclosures shows the resources industry is the largest donating industry to Australia’s political parties and campaigners.
Journal article
Regulating the influencers: the evolution of lobbying regulation in Australia
Exploring the history and evolution of lobbying regulation in Australian federal and state jurisdictions, this article develops a conceptual framework to evaluate lobbying regulation based on the form of regulation, the standards it imposes, and compliance processes.
Report
Criminality, corruption and impunity: should Australia join the global Magnitsky movement?
Australia should enact a world-leading law to apply targeted sanctions to perpetrators of serious human rights abuse and corruption, according to this report. The report follows a wide-ranging inquiry which commenced in 2019, and incorporates submissions from over 160 individuals and organisations from around the...