Parliamentary scrutiny

NARROWER TERMS


Journal article

Enhancing long-term governance: Parliament’s vital oversight role

This article explores how the New Zealand Parliament scrutinises the quality of long-term governance and considers how such scrutiny could be made more systematic, proactive and rigorous.
Report

Human rights scrutiny in the Australian Parliament

This report assesses Australia’s uncommon approach 10 years after the establishment of the relevant Parliamentary mechanism – a legislative scrutiny regime led by the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights. In particular, it addresses institutional obstacles to its effectiveness, and what these obstacles mean for...
Report

Joint Select Committee on Parliamentary Standards: final report

The Australian Parliament has long sought to address the issue of codes of conduct. The Committee recommends that parliamentary consideration of this report, including the proposed behaviour standards and codes, should maintain a primary focus on ensuring that Commonwealth Parliamentary Workplaces are safe and respectful...
Discussion paper

Budget independence for Victoria’s Independent Officers of Parliament

Victoria’s integrity agencies have come together to present an evidence-based paper outlining the need for greater budgetary independence. This joint paper sets out a case to further strengthen the perceived and actual independence of these three officers of Parliament.
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...
Working paper

Renewable energy development and the Native Title Act 1993 (Cwlth): the fairness of validating future Acts associated with renewable energy projects

The authors of this paper argue that the Native Title Act 1993 (Cwlth) should be amended to place less weight on economic and similar considerations when authorising the compulsory acquisition of native title for renewable energy development, or prohibit the compulsory acquisition of native title...
Fact sheet

Fact Check: Helen Haines says the current government has gagged debate in parliament more than any government in history. Is that correct?

Helen Haines says the current government has gagged debate in parliament more than any government in history. Verdict: Ms Haines's claim is exaggerated.
Discussion paper

Democracy agenda for the 47th Parliament of Australia: options for reform

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...
Report

Parliamentary codes of conduct: a review of recent developments

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...
Report

Powers of detention in Victorian pandemic legislation

This research highlights how the powers of detention in the Victorian government’s pandemic management legislation could be struck down for being incompatible with the Australian Constitution.
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.
Fact sheet

Fact Check: Scott Morrison says Richard Colbeck has appeared before the Senate Select Committee on COVID-19 'many, many times'. Is that correct?

Scott Morrison says Richard Colbeck has appeared before the Senate Select Committee on COVID-19 'many, many times'. Verdict: Mr Morrison's claim is wrong.
Report

Set the standard: report on the Independent Review into Commonwealth Parliamentary Workplaces

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...
Report

Daniel Andrews’ pandemic Bill: the attack on our democracy

In this report, the IPA's Morgan Begg argues that the Public Health and Wellbeing Amendment (Pandemic Management) Bill 2021, introduced by the Andrews Government into the Victorian Legislative Assembly on 26 October, is a demand for power that is unprecedented in Australia’s peacetime history.
Position paper

Joint position paper: The Public Health and Wellbeing Amendment (Pandemic Management) Bill 2021 (Vic)

This position paper argues that in order to create fit-for-purpose permanent pandemic legislation in Victoria, a suite of interconnected and mutually-reinforcing amendments are required.
Policy report

Improving national security governance: options for strengthening Cabinet control and parliamentary oversight

This policy options paper proposes reforms to bolster the capacity of Australia's leaders to hold national security institutions accountable as Australia moves into an era of heightened strategic complexity and risk.
Journal article

Who votes for public health? An analysis of Australian politicians’ parliamentary voting behaviour

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...
Briefing paper

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on parliament

This e-brief outlines how Australian parliaments adapted in a fast-moving and uncertain environment, focusing on the NSW Parliament. It also examines the implications for parliamentary democracy from parliament operating in its diminished form and from the government’s legislative response to the crisis.
Report

Review of the parliamentary workplace: responding to serious incidents

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...
Report

Independent Review into Commonwealth Parliamentary Workplaces: progress update 2021

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.
Report

Report on the inquiry into aspects of petitioning security and accessibility

In December 2020, the Standing Committee on Petitions resolved to inquire into and report on aspects of the House of Representatives’ petitioning system relating to security and accessibility. This report outlines the findings from this inquiry.
Report

Report of the Review of the parliamentary workplace: responding to serious incidents

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...
Report

A window on the House: practices and procedures relating to Question Time

Question Time is a long-standing tradition that remains a valuable forum for scrutiny of the executive. While opinions differed on how Question Time could be improved, this inquiry found there is a need for enhanced accountability, better questions and answers, and a higher standard of...
Report

Representative, still: the role of the Senate in our democracy

This resource presents one of the most extensive studies of Australians’ knowledge of and attitudes towards the Australian Senate.
Policy report

Accountable lawmaking

This policy brief analyses trends in the working and monitoring of delegated legislation in Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom during the pandemic. It focuses on how the pandemic has affected parliamentary oversight of executive actions and assesses how institutional responses have conformed to...