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.

This review considers and proposes appropriate standards for the processes by which board members are appointed to Australian Government boards. It finds the current board appointment arrangements are not fit for purpose and proposes a series of reforms to the processes by which board members are identified, selected, appointed and supported in their roles.

Six months after its 2025 re-election, the Australian 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. The paper urges the Government to...

Five ‘integrity scenario’ guidance materials, aimed at supporting the Victorian public sector to build a pro-integrity culture and corruption resistance. The guidance materials detail fictional scenarios of corruption or misconduct, and lessons to learn from the circumstances that allowed the conduct to go unchecked.

Ministerial staff in South Australia are appointed outside merit-based recruitment processes and do not undergo thorough pre-employment screening or security checks, leaving the government exposed to significant corruption risks. This report makes recommendations to the Premier to improve weaknesses in the governance of ministerial staff.