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.

This paper provides a social and demographic breakdown of Members of the Victorian Parliament for the five most recent parliaments (2002-2018) with respect to age, gender, education level, region of birth and occupation before entering Parliament.

The matters highlighted in this report from the Legislative Council Privileges Committee (Vic), based on findings contained in the (IBA) Operation Watts report, indicate that Mr Adem Somyurek committed a number of breaches in the performance of his parliamentary duties.

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...

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.

Representation matters. Within our society a lot of attention is paid to how power is used, and in whose interests, but the issue of who has power is of equal importance. This report explores the path to parliament taken by our current representative members of...

This paper outlines reforms for consideration by parliamentarians and the Australian government. Some are well developed and long promised, and require only the political will to implement. Others still require careful consideration and development. Many would have accumulative effects, with reforms in one area making...

This paper outlines the variety of enforcement mechanisms these existing parliamentary codes of conduct exhibit, the findings of the reviews that have been conducted into the effectiveness of these arrangements in preventing bullying and harassment and discusses how these might inform debate about a response...

This policy statement outlines The Greens' policy position on parliamentary standards, political donations and the establishment of a federal integrity commission.

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.

In March 2021, the Independent Review into Commonwealth Parliamentary Workplaces was established by the Australian government. Conducted by the Australian Human Rights Commission and led by the Sex Discrimination Commissioner, the review was asked to make recommendations to ensure that Commonwealth parliamentary workplaces are safe...

The UK government’s u-turn in the Owen Paterson (MP) case has yet again raised the question of how standards in public life can be upheld. This paper sets out the Institute for Government’s recommendations – drawn from a recent conference and their wider work on...

Despite the important role politicians play in setting health policy, limited attention has been given to examining the voting behaviour of politicians in the Australian Parliament regarding health-related policy. This study systematically assessed the voting patterns of federal politicians to determine whether they concurred with...

This review found that current procedures and processes are not designed or able to respond appropriately to serious incidents in the Australian parliamentary workplace, particularly with regard to sexual assault. The most significant gap is the absence of readily accessible, timely, independent, trauma-informed services and...

The Independent Review into Commonwealth Parliamentary Workplaces was established in March 2021. This progress update outlines the work of the review to date, including the methodology.

In February 2021, Australian Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, tasked a review of the procedures and processes involved in identifying, reporting and responding to serious incidents that occur during parliamentary employment. This report has been released to enable briefing for government, opposition, other parties, cross bench...

The objective of this audit was to assess the efficiency and effectiveness of the Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority’s administration of parliamentary expenses claimed by Australian parliamentarians.

United Australia Party chairman Clive Palmer says his party can boast three former prime ministers: Joseph Lyons, Billy Hughes and Sir Robert Menzies. Verdict: Mr Palmer's claim is nonsense.

Bill Browne argues in this discussion paper that a straightforward way to ensure the Northern Territory has two House of Representatives seats is to increase the overall size of the House. He suggests that an increase of about 50% in the number of parliamentarians would...

The UK government’s move to return the Commons to its usual ways of working when it returns from recess, is deeply concerning. This report warns that abandoning virtual proceedings from 2 June will reduce parliament’s ability to scrutinise the government.

The Institute of Public Affairs is calling on federal and state governments to reduce public sector salaries for those on over $150,000 by 20%.

Australia is the only democracy facing coronavirus that has suspended Parliament.

The Victorian Ombudsman was asked by the Victorian Parliament’s Legislative Assembly to investigate MPs’ knowledge of, and involvement in, fraudulent activity undertaken by former Liberal State Director, Damien Mantach, between 2010 and 2015. This report outlines the Ombudsman's findings.

This publication contains eleven short essays from newly elected federal MPs and Senators, on the topic of a policy idea whose time is yet to come. The project has sought to engage with politicians, at the start of their parliamentary careers, on long-term public policy...

The health of a liberal democracy can be measured by the quality of its political parties - which aggregate people’s demands, formulate policy choices and supposedly, represent their constituents' interests. This report outlines how those who know the system best would reform and improve it.