The Australia Institute has released analysis of official responses to the 'Watergate' scandal surrounding Murray Darling water purchases, covered by The Project, Guardian and other media outlets.

The Cabinet Handbook 12th edition is designed to ensure that the Cabinet observes conventions and principles and fulfils its central purpose of informed decision-making.

The inquiry relates, in the first instance, to two interventions by the then Minister for Immigration and Border Protection, the Hon Peter Dutton MP, under section 195A of the Migration Act 1958 (the Act).

On any fair reading, the cases of the nannies don’t go anywhere near meeting the ministry's own guidelines for formal ministerial intervention.

The Australian people deserve a government that will act with integrity and in the best interests of the people they serve. All Ministers and Assistant Ministers are expected to conduct themselves in line with standards established in this statement in order to maintain the trust of the Australian people.