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...

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...

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.

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...

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...

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

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 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.

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

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.

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...

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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 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.

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...

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...

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

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...