iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

publicintegrity.bsky.social @publicintegrity.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

Who gets invited to apply for public money? The Government says its $560.9m community grants program followed the rules. But it has not publicly explained how projects were selected for an invitation. Our factsheet examines this gap. Link below👇 #auspol

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publicintegrity.bsky.social @publicintegrity.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

$560.9 million in community infrastructure grants. Invitation only. No published explanation of how eligibility was determined. New research from the Centre for Public Integrity has struck a chord in the media and with the public. Some key pieces of the research 👇 1/ #auspol

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publicintegrity.bsky.social @publicintegrity.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

The Centre's Chair, Anthony Whealy KC, in the SMH: Not all lobbyists are the problem, but the revolving door between government and industry is out of control. #auspol www.smh.com.au/national/not...

smh.com.au

Not all lobbyists are bad, but their revolving door is out of control

There is no transparency about what lobbyists do, who they lobby and on what.

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publicintegrity.bsky.social @publicintegrity.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

From gambling and gun policy to Big Tech and fossil fuels, lobbying plays a powerful role in shaping public decisions. But Australia’s federal lobbying system remains opaque, unequal and poorly regulated. 1/ #auspol

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publicintegrity.bsky.social @publicintegrity.bsky.social · 05/06/2026

Since 15 April, Victoria has had no meaningful political finance laws. That means no reliable way for voters to know who is funding political campaigns. This is a serious threat to democratic integrity. 🧵 1/ #auspol #vicpol #politicalfinance

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publicintegrity.bsky.social @publicintegrity.bsky.social · 04/06/2026

The Big Four enjoy legal protections designed for accountants — even as they make most of their money as consultants. The Centre's Chair, The Hon Anthony Whealy, asks: who is this really protecting? #auspol

Screenshot of an article arguing that Australia’s oversight of the Big Four accounting and consulting firms is failing. It says the PwC tax leaks affair and new KPMG whistleblower allegations raise serious questions about whether firms such as PwC, KPMG, Deloitte and EY should benefit from broad statutory liability caps. The article discusses a Supreme Court of NSW challenge brought by Professor Brendan Lyon against the Professional Standards Council and Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, questioning whether liability protections meant for qualified accountants should extend to wide-ranging consulting and advisory work. It also cites Centre for Public Integrity research on the growth of Commonwealth consulting contracts, the concentration of spending among the Big Four, political donations, and risks to public-sector independence and accountability.

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publicintegrity.bsky.social @publicintegrity.bsky.social · 29/05/2026

But Anthony Whealy, KC, the Chair of the Centre for Public Integrity, an independent research institute, said that response summed up the importance of changing the culture at the commission. 1/ #auspol

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publicintegrity.bsky.social @publicintegrity.bsky.social · 26/05/2026

The NACC resignation could be a turning point. Integrity agencies exist to hold public power to account. But recent controversies show they also need strong safeguards of their own. New research report released by the Centre today 👇 1/ #auspol

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publicintegrity.bsky.social @publicintegrity.bsky.social · 21/05/2026

Why do some scandals lead to reform, while others disappear from the news cycle? Nick Feik joins Will Partlett on The Integrity Puzzle to discuss how investigative journalism, whistleblowers, inquiries, crossbench pressure and civil society can help turn exposure into accountability. #auspol

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publicintegrity.bsky.social @publicintegrity.bsky.social · 19/05/2026

Victoria has no ban on foreign political donations, no donation cap and no disclosure requirement after the High Court struck down its framework. The Centre's Dr Catherine Williams calls the “regulatory vacuum” a “crisis situation” requiring an “emergency response” Link below #auspol

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publicintegrity.bsky.social @publicintegrity.bsky.social · 12/05/2026

A watchdog without resources cannot properly hold government to account. The 2026–27 Budget cuts the Auditor-General’s funding in real terms — despite repeated warnings the ANAO’s position is unsustainable. Read more in our factsheet: #auspol publicintegrity.org.au/wp-content/u...

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publicintegrity.bsky.social @publicintegrity.bsky.social · 04/05/2026

The next NACC Deputy Commissioner should be appointed through: • public advertising • published selection criteria • an independent selection panel • full transparency for parliamentary scrutiny Public confidence depends on the integrity of the process. #auspol

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publicintegrity.bsky.social @publicintegrity.bsky.social · 17/04/2026

Anthony Whealy KC, Chair of the Centre for Public Integrity: "Right from the start, the state government enacted this legislation too quickly. This was legislation that didn't ban protests but it did very effectively discourage them." 1/ #auspol

Screenshot of ABC AM website hosting the 3min episode featuring Centre for Public Integrity Chair Anthony Whealy KC.

TItle: Supreme Court overturns NSW anti-protest laws

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publicintegrity.bsky.social @publicintegrity.bsky.social · 16/04/2026

“Victoria must not respond with a quick fix that simply reworks the same problem. Mechanisms like nominated entities have no place in a modern democracy. They distort the system and entrench inequality.” Dr Catherine Williams Executive Director Centre for Public Integrity wp.me/pfU5Sy-aJp #auspol

wp.me

Media Release: High Court ruling exposes unfair electoral laws — Victoria must fix the system, not patch it

The unanimous High Court decision strikes at the heart of Victoria’s “nominated entity” regime — a mechanism that has enabled major parties to access funding structures not available to independents a...

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publicintegrity.bsky.social @publicintegrity.bsky.social · 02/04/2026

Dr Catherine Williams, executive director of the Centre for Public Integrity, said: “We remain concerned about the rate of non-compliance, as well as the rate at which public interest immunity is relied upon as the basis for that non-compliance.” 1/ #auspol

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publicintegrity.bsky.social @publicintegrity.bsky.social · 19/03/2026

Good lawmaking depends on good process. On 13 March 2026, the Centre for Public Integrity and the Law Council of Australia brought together experts, parliamentarians and legal leaders to discuss how public input into lawmaking can be improved. 1/ #auspol #auslaw

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publicintegrity.bsky.social @publicintegrity.bsky.social · 04/03/2026

Withdrawing the nominated entity amendments is the right call — they would have left major-party “war chests” intact and allowed spending outside donation caps. Now Victoria must fix the structural unfairness in political finance laws and implement the 2023 review recommendations. #vicpol

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publicintegrity.bsky.social @publicintegrity.bsky.social · 26/02/2026

This short video covers the Centre's Report Card on the first six months of Tasmania's Rockliff Government across eight key integrity areas. Read the report here: buff.ly/xZPz8Ml #auspol

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publicintegrity.bsky.social @publicintegrity.bsky.social · 16/02/2026

Watson, speaking in his role as director for the Centre of Public Integrity, said it was surprising Allan did not know her referral could not be investigated, because the current government had made changes to IBAC’s powers that changed its authority to investigate. 1/ #auspol

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publicintegrity.bsky.social @publicintegrity.bsky.social · 28/01/2026

Last year’s pre-Christmas parliamentary expenses scandal is still reverberating, with the Remuneration Tribunal now recommending tighter rules for family reunion travel. But here’s the bigger issue: parliamentary life is not family-friendly. 1/ #auspol

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publicintegrity.bsky.social @publicintegrity.bsky.social · 22/01/2026

New Vod/Podcast: Money, Power and the Constitution Special release this morning for students attending the National Schools Constitutional Convention, where the Centre's Professor Gabrielle Appleby will deliver the keynote address More links 👇 1/ #auslaw #auspol www.youtube.com/watch?v=NINv...

youtube.com

Money, power and the Constitution

YouTube video by The Centre for Public Integrity

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publicintegrity.bsky.social @publicintegrity.bsky.social · 19/01/2026

The Centre for Public Integrity is calling for the Government to use the new year to strengthen its commitment to transparency. 1/ #auspol

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publicintegrity.bsky.social @publicintegrity.bsky.social · 04/12/2025

Yesterday, the Senate Committee reviewing the proposed FOI changes released their report... and the Coalition, the Greens, David Pocock and Jackie Lambie all opposed the proposal. #auspol

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publicintegrity.bsky.social @publicintegrity.bsky.social · 04/12/2025

“There’s an exemption for whenever the prime minister agrees there should be an exemption. That’s a pretty big discretion.” ~ Research Director Professor Gabrielle Appleby #auspol www.theage.com.au/politics/fed...

theage.com.au

‘Overpaid political hacks’: Public trust lost over jobs for mates

The recommendations of a long-awaited review into political appointments have been set aside by the federal government.

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publicintegrity.bsky.social @publicintegrity.bsky.social · 02/12/2025

Anthony Whealy KC, Chair of the Centre for Public Integrity: "For years, governments of both persuasion have made appointments to senior public positions with absolute disregard for integrity, transparency and accountability." 1/ #auspol www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...

theguardian.com

‘Jobs for mates’ review is damning – and the government’s response is a failure of the highest order | Anthony Whealy

Despite its high-flown rhetoric, the Albanese government has been tortoise-like in reforming the appointments process. It’s now clear why

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publicintegrity.bsky.social @publicintegrity.bsky.social · 02/12/2025

Media release: Government’s Appointments Framework Falls Short of Ending ‘Jobs for Mates’ #auspol

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publicintegrity.bsky.social @publicintegrity.bsky.social · 24/11/2025

The Centre for Public Integrity said with trust in government at an all-time low, bypassing scrutiny and public input would only further undermine confidence in the process. 1/ #auspol www.canberratimes.com.au/story/911810...

canberratimes.com.au

Labor faces major roadblocks in bid to pass nature laws

Labor is facing questions over its attempt to fast-track environmental reforms as the government tries to woo its...

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publicintegrity.bsky.social @publicintegrity.bsky.social · 14/11/2025

The State Development Bill 2025 (WA) has been presented by the WA Gov as: … bold new legislation… to unlock strategic precincts, fast-track approvals for major strategic projects around the State, and maintain WA as the strongest economy in the nation. But... 1/ #auspol

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publicintegrity.bsky.social @publicintegrity.bsky.social · 06/11/2025

With the Government moving the Freedom of Information Amendment Bill 2025 through the House, the Centre for Public Integrity has published fact-checks addressing recent Government claims made in response to parliamentary questions about the Bill. 1/ #auspol

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publicintegrity.bsky.social @publicintegrity.bsky.social · 27/10/2025

In this report, the Centre assesses the Government’s actions — and inaction — across these key democratic safeguards: 🧐transparency 🎩appointments 🤝limits on undue influence 💪bolstering public service ⚖️supporting institutions that hold power to account. 1/ #auspol

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publicintegrity.bsky.social @publicintegrity.bsky.social · 21/10/2025

Geoffrey Watson SC, director at the Centre for Public Integrity, said it appeared to be an "entirely understandable, simple error". 1/ #auspol www.canberratimes.com.au/story/909036...

canberratimes.com.au

This agency refused FOI access to a document, then it released it by mistake

The agency confirmed the administrative error.

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publicintegrity.bsky.social @publicintegrity.bsky.social · 14/10/2025

Centre for Public Integrity research director Gabrielle Appleby said parliament needed to lead on government oversight rather than purely leaving it to integrity bodies. 1/ #auspol thewest.com.au/politics/law...

thewest.com.au

Senators urged to flex muscles to stop Labor inaction

A Greens senator has offered an olive branch to form an unlikely alliance to hold Labor to account as it fails to comply with document production orders.

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publicintegrity.bsky.social @publicintegrity.bsky.social · 13/10/2025

Opposition Leader, Sussan Ley MP, has written strongly today opposing the FOI reform. The Centre welcomes this position. This is now an opportunity to reset. 1/ #auspol www.canberratimes.com.au/story/908628...

canberratimes.com.au

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publicintegrity.bsky.social @publicintegrity.bsky.social · 09/10/2025

As Catherine Williams and Gabrielle Appleby of the Centre for Public Integrity noted in a piece for The AFR on Tuesday, the Senate inquiry into the bill received “virtually unanimous damning assessments” in its submissions inbox, which closed last week. 1/ #auspol

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publicintegrity.bsky.social @publicintegrity.bsky.social · 07/10/2025

In opposition, the prime minister talked a big game on transparency. It’s about time he walked the walk on open government. ~ Opinion piece by the Centre's ED Dr Catherine Williams and Research Director Professor Gabrielle Appleby #auspol www.afr.com/politics/fed...

afr.com

Labor must drop flawed and friendless freedom of information bill

In opposition, the prime minister talked a big game on transparency. It’s about time he walked the walk on open government.

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publicintegrity.bsky.social @publicintegrity.bsky.social · 06/10/2025

Australia’s leading integrity, human rights and media freedom organisations have united to denounce the Government’s Freedom of Information Amendment Bill, warning the reforms will lead to greater government secrecy and less accountability. 1/ #auspol

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publicintegrity.bsky.social @publicintegrity.bsky.social · 04/10/2025

William Partlett, Stephen Charles Fellow at the Centre for Public Integrity, says the controversy over Brereton’s Defence consultancy shows a repeated failure to recognise how perceptions of bias erode trust in the NACC. 1/ #auspol www.thesaturdaypaper.com.au/news/2025/10...

thesaturdaypaper.com.au

Exclusive: Anthony Albanese overruled push for public NACC hearings

The Saturday Paper can reveal that the prime minister and other ministers from NSW intervened in cabinet to constrain the operations of the country’s leading integrity body.

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publicintegrity.bsky.social @publicintegrity.bsky.social · 30/09/2025

"Labor’s controversial changes to FOI laws risk “deliberately enshrining secrecy and obfuscation”, with the Centre for Public Integrity raising fresh alarm over the government’s apparent attempt to keep more documents secret." 1/ #auspol www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/polit...

theaustralian.com.au

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publicintegrity.bsky.social @publicintegrity.bsky.social · 24/09/2025

Media release: Tasmania Leads on Transparency as Canberra Winds Back Australians’ Right to Know #auspol

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publicintegrity.bsky.social @publicintegrity.bsky.social · 23/09/2025

There's only been 15 sitting days since the election in May, and in those 15 days there have been 30 mentions of the Centre's report in Parliament ~ Senator David Pocock introducing the Centre's Executive Director, Dr Catherine Williams #auspol www.youtube.com/watch?v=g3cx...

youtube.com

Town Hall #3 - Transparency

YouTube video by David Pocock

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publicintegrity.bsky.social @publicintegrity.bsky.social · 16/09/2025

Want to know more what the proposed FOI changes mean and what top experts think of them? Join us for an excellent (and free) webinar at 12.30pm on Monday 22 September Featuring: 1/ #auspol www.eventbrite.com.au/e/foi-at-a-c...

eventbrite.com.au

FOI at a Crossroads: Progress or Attack?

Co-hosted by the UNSW Gilbert + Tobin Centre of Public Law and the Centre for Public Integrity.

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publicintegrity.bsky.social @publicintegrity.bsky.social · 04/09/2025

Centre for Public Integrity head of research Gabrielle Appleby said Ms Rowland’s promise to remove barriers to public servants delivering “frank and fearless” advice was a reference to the widening of exemptions for cabinet documents. 1/ #auspol www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/lawye...

theaustralian.com.au

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