By Royca Kurmelovs originally published on the 23rd of JanuaryNew analysis of political donations given in Australia over the past two decades has laid bare the extent to which the resources sector has sought to dominate the nation’s politics. The report by the Centre for Public Integrity (CPI), released this week, crunched the numbers on… Read More
Lax approach to political donations reeks of self-interest
Originally published by The Age on the 18th of January. Five years ago, in an influential case involving limits around donations to political parties, the High Court of Australia proffered a convincing assessment of how money can drive powerful outcomes. “Although there might be favours without payment and payment without favours, the basic human tendency… Read More
New calls for an overhaul of Australia’s political donation laws amid concern about influence
By Tom Staynor originally published on SBS, 18th of January It comes as new analysis finds the resources sector to have been the biggest donor in Australian politics over the past two decades, handing over $136.8 million. There are renewed calls to overhaul political donation rules to prevent big sectors and corporations from exerting influence… Read More
‘Highly problematic for public trust’: Australian political donations revealed
By David Crowe, originally published in the Sydney Morning Herald on 18th January 2021. A surge in donations at the last federal election has taken the resource industry’s political payments to $136.8 million over two decades and a new analysis has named the sector as the biggest donor in Australian politics. Mining and gas companies… Read More
Resources industry donated $136 million over 20 years
Media release 18 January 2021 New analysis of 20 years of AEC donation disclosures shows the resources industry is the largest donating industry to Australia’s political parties and campaigners. The research from the Centre for Public Integrity shows: The resources industry is the largest donating industry, making contributions 2.5 times greater than the property industry,… Read More
IBAC uncovers alleged bribery by rail executives in Victoria
Originally published on 7.30 Report on 5th January 2021. Interview with Stephen Charles https://www.abc.net.au/7.30/ibac-uncovers-alleged-bribery-by-rail-executives/13034632
Law reformer and ICAC commissioner tackled corruption head on
By Keith Mason and Geoffrey Watson, originally published on the 22nd of December. DAVID IPP: 1938 – 2020 David Ipp was a jurist, law reformer and corruption fighter whose term as Commissioner at ICAC was explosive. Under his guidance ICAC opened inquiries into some of the worst corruption in NSW history. He led an inquiry… Read More
Tribute to David Ipp
On 8 October 2020 David Ipp passed away at the age of 82. David was a great Australian. He was a national leader as a judge, a law reformer and a corruption fighter. His death is a grievous loss to the country and also to The Centre for Public Integrity. Born and educated in South… Read More
Statement regarding Geoffrey Watson and Operation Spicer
In response to the Attorney General’s recent remarks in Parliament and the recent article by Chris Merritt in the Australian newspaper. Geoffrey Watson SC has publicly acknowledged that his behaviour on the day of the Operation Spicer hearing mentioned by Christian Porter and Chris Merritt was inappropriate and he has apologised for that. The Centre… Read More
The role of business lobbyists in political election campaigns is raising questions for integrity watchers
By Dan Conifer, originally published on 26 November. Politicians hold a lot of power and behind them there are backroom advisors who escape the spotlight. But when those campaign operators also act as political lobbyists, questions are asked about the appearance of conflicts of interest. Tonight 7.30 looks behind the Queensland election campaign and the… Read More