Reform blueprint pushes for radical shift amid growing calls for political integrity and transparency

With the federal election now behind us, a bold reform blueprint is back on the table, calling for robust parliamentary debate, real government accountability, and a long-overdue restoration of political integrity.

The proposed reforms by the Australia Institute call for a government more accountable to the people, prioritising the public interest over political self-preservation.

Independent MP Dr Sophie Scamps underscored the urgency of restoring faith in democratic processes. “Strengthening the integrity and transparency of our political system would help improve the decisions that governments make, and would benefit all Australians now and into the future. Australians deserve a political system we can trust,” she said.

Her concerns were echoed by fellow Independent MP Zali Steggall, who warned against complacency.
“Self-interest can erode many measures. To keep it strong, Australians must trust our political system. Measures like truth in political advertising, whistleblower protections, and a strong National Anti-corruption Commission are vital to upholding integrity,” stated Steggall.

Dr Monique Ryan, another Independent voice in Parliament, said accountability is non-negotiable in preserving democratic legitimacy.

“Faith in democracy depends on politicians and public servants being honest, transparent, responsive, and accountable,” Dr Ryan said. “Improved procedures, better whistleblower protections, more transparency about lobbying, and truth in political advertising laws will improve the transparency and accountability of our Parliament. Trust in government is difficult to earn and to keep; these reforms will help win it back.”

The call for structural reform has also gained traction among Greens leadership. Senator Larissa Waters, Greens Senate Leader and Democracy spokesperson, said “Australian voters want a democracy that works for them, not just the major parties and their corporate donors. Democracy needs to be in the hands of the people. Transparency about donations and truth in political advertising are integral to making that happen.”

Independent MP Dr Helen Haines framed the reforms agenda as a critical foundation for the 48th Parliament “to improve integrity and strengthen our democracy. It is an important starting point”.

Former Independent MP Zoe Daniel, who previously held the seat of Goldstein, reinforced the link between public trust and institutional reform.

“We must foster better public decision-making by entrenching integrity into our systems of government. This includes real time publication of Ministerial diaries; overhaul laws regulate political lobbying and moving toward a national system of integrity laws. Electoral and campaign finance reform are also critical. The ability for political candidates to lie in election advertising must end, and the Parliament should consider four-year set terms,” she said.

Bill Browne, Director of The Australia Institute’s Democracy and Accountability Program, said the Democracy Agenda for the 48th Parliament is a springboard for a broader national conversation.

“These reform proposals are designed to start a debate about how to improve the efficiency and transparency of Parliament, ensure better representation for all Australians, and create a more open and fair political system.”

He pointed to the Senate as a model of more robust debate, saying “The Senate shows that parliamentary debate can accommodate a variety of voices and perspectives, with crossbench and opposition members bringing on matters for debate and vote without fear of being gagged. The House of Representatives could be reformed along similar lines.”

Browne also highlighted that the legal ability to lie in political advertising sets a dangerous precedent.

“It is perfectly legal to lie in a political ad in Australia – but that doesn’t have to be the case. South Australia has had working, impartial truth in political advertising laws for forty years. Similarly, the state experience with public hearings shows that the federal anti-corruption watchdog should be empowered to hold public hearings whenever they are in the public interest,” he emphasised.

Despite the federal election delivering a resounding victory to the Australian Labor Party, on aggregate, Labor and the Coalition recorded their lowest combined share of primary votes – just 65%, down 1.5% since 2022.

As politicians faces growing calls for greater transparency and accountability, the proposed reform measures present the opportunity to restore public trust in our nation’s political institutions. It’s now up to the 48th Parliament to demonstrate the courage to act, ensuring that integrity, not self-interest, remains the cornerstone of Australia’s democracy.

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