Grant decisions by politicians could come under greater scrutiny as part of a push to end pork barrelling. Independent MP Helen Haines on Monday introduced a motion to parliament during private member’s business, with the support of outspoken Liberal Bridget Archer. “Too often, funding goes where the need for votes is greatest,” she told parliament.… Read More
‘If Abbott and Keating are getting money, who else?’
Society should reconsider whether politicians should further receive retirement benefits given some take up lucrative lobbying jobs, a director of the Centre for Public Integrity, barrister Geoffrey Watson, SC, said after it was reported that former prime ministers Paul Keating and Tony Abbott may be on the payroll of billionaire box king Anthony Pratt. The… Read More
Allan’s new IBAC chief is inexperienced and a virtual unknown. Is that the point?
It is the harsh reality of politics that when Victoria’s Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission finds fault with government, its commissioner needs to be able and prepared to meet such situations, and that they have the skills and standing required to manage such challenges. Last week, The Age reported that Victoria Elliott had been chosen as the new head… Read More
National Anti-Corruption Commission probes ‘unlikely to involve Coalition’, says former judge
The National Anti-Corruption Commission has received 1200 reports, launched three new corruption investigations and hired 50 new staff members since its inception more than three months ago, as the body’s chief reaffirms its dedication to exposing and preventing misconduct. Commissioner Paul Brereton on Monday released a video detailing the NACC’s achievements over the past 100… Read More
Ex-premier Mark McGowan joins Abbott-era treasurer Joe Hockey’s consultancy firm, among four new private sector roles
Former WA premier Mark McGowan has taken on a senior role at the former federal treasurer Joe Hockey’s consultancy firm, among four new jobs, including appointments to mining companies Mineral Resources and BHP. Mr Hockey’s firm, Bondi Partners, promotes trade and business ties between Australia and the US. It confirmed Mr McGowan commenced his appointment this month.… Read More
Big four consulting firms accused of ‘lowball quoting’ to win government contracts
Over the last decade, the big four consultancy firms have faced accusations of “lowball quoting” to secure federal government contracts, leading to a higher-than-expected taxpayer expenditure by $1.8 billion. An in-depth analysis by the Centre for Public Integrity, Australia’s leading anti-corruption think tank, discovered that approximately 19% of contracts awarded to these firms were later… Read More
Scamps hits out at lack of transparency in recent government appointments
This bill, collaboratively developed with the Centre for Public Integrity, Australia’s leading anti-corruption think tank, proposes a clear, transparent, and independent framework for major Commonwealth appointments Read More
Corruption chief warns lawyers, consultants
Paul Brereton, the head of Australia’s National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), has cautioned lawyers about offering risk-based advice and has indicated potential inquiries concerning the consultancy sector. Addressing the UN Global Compact Network’s 2023 Australian Dialogue on Bribery and Corruption, he expressed concerns over the significant engagement of external consultants by the government and how Commonwealth… Read More
New corruption Paul Brereton has consultants in his sights
Paul Brereton, the head of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), has emphasized his focus on the private consultancy sector and its relations with government operations. While addressing Allens law firm during the UN Global Compact Network’s 2023 Australian Dialogue on Bribery and Corruption, Brereton, the first chief of the newly established anti-corruption agency, expressed concerns… Read More
Albanese compliance with senate production orders roughly half that of Morrison
Compliance with senate production orders has seen a downturn in the current parliament, reveals a study by the Centre for Public Integrity, Australia’s foremost anti-corruption think tank. The research indicates that the Albanese government has a compliance rate of only 20.4%, in stark contrast to the Morrison government’s 48.7% over a three-year span from 2019-2022.… Read More
Teal independent Kate Chaney to introduce bill to ban big Commonwealth contractors from making political donations
Legislation banning substantial Commonwealth contractors from making political donations is being proposed, with the intention to enhance transparency in Australian federal elections. Kate Chaney, Member for Curtin, will present the “Restoring Trust Bill” that additionally seeks to mandate federal ministers to disclose their official diaries. This initiative strives to mitigate financial sway and ensure equitable… Read More
How power bleeds between politics and the big four
The Centre for Public Integrity, Australia’s leading anti-corruption think tank, has recently expressed concerns over potential conflicts of interest due to the frequent “revolving door” between political positions and employment with the ‘big four’ consulting firms: KPMG, PwC, EY, and Deloitte. Over the last decade, government contracts awarded to these companies have surged from $282… Read More
Robodebt’s ‘potentially irreversible’ damage to trust in government
The robodebt royal commission’s final report, led by Commissioner Catherine Holmes, underscores a potential irreversible damage to the public’s trust in both the social security system and the broader Australian government. The robodebt scheme, perceived by many as unjust, has significantly eroded public trust, and its impact may be enduring. An anonymous submission to the… Read More
Calls for royal commission as PwC, Deloitte scandals widen
Recent revelations surrounding the misuse of confidential public data by major accounting firms have intensified the call for a royal commission. This commission aims to unravel the depth of scandals across the industry and discern strategies for the federal government to reduce dependence on external contractors. Deloitte, for instance, has faced criticism for breaching confidentiality,… Read More
Consultant work for federal agencies jumps 1300pc
Australian Commonwealth agencies have witnessed a staggering 12-fold surge in the use of external advisers over the past decade, leading to calls for stricter controls on consultant hiring and improved transparency in procurement reporting. The Centre for Public Integrity’s analysis revealed that management advisory services from the big four consultancies to the Commonwealth soared from… Read More
Australian government spending on big four consultancy firms up 1,270% in a decade, analysis shows
Australia’s government expenditure on the big four consultancy firms has escalated dramatically, seeing a 1,270% increase over the past decade. Such spending intensifies concerns about transparency and potential conflicts of interest in public financial matters. The Centre for Public Integrity, Australia’s leading anti-corruption think tank, has highlighted the alarming rate of this rise, pointing out… Read More
How the big four accounting firms infiltrated governments, earning more than $10b over a decade while taxpayers are in the dark
Over the past ten years, Australia’s state and federal governments have allocated more than $10 billion to the big four accounting firms: EY, Deloitte, KPMG, and PwC. Their pervasive influence reaches from numerous government departments to occupying board positions across Australia. Notably, the Department of Defence alone has reportedly expended almost $4 billion on these… Read More
Consulting firms admit they’re rife with toxic behaviour. So, why do we pay them billions?
Recent revelations from Australia’s top consultancy firms highlight a pervasive culture of toxic behavior. Firms like EY, Deloitte, and KPMG disclosed a series of breaches of integrity including sexual harassment, dishonesty, and bullying at a Senate inquiry initiated after the PwC tax scandal. The seriousness of these transgressions is underscored by the seniority of the… Read More
For major parties, spending arms race means odds are ever in their favour
Leading integrity experts have advocated for a revision of Victoria’s political donation laws, suggesting that they currently favour Labor and the Coalition. The Centre for Public Integrity, Australia’s leading anti-corruption think tank, made a submission to a review of the 2018 donations reforms initiated by the Andrews government. While acknowledging some improvements, the Centre expressed… Read More
Greens want please-explain from Labor ministers who ignore reports
The Greens are pressing Labor ministers to provide explanations if they overlook or miss deadlines for parliamentary reports, aiming to ensure community and MP efforts aren’t wasted. A former Labor MP highlighted the government’s failure to address a homelessness report presented two years ago, even though ministers should usually respond within six months. Greens MP… Read More
‘What the public is entitled to know’: Former judge slams robo-debt sealed section
Anthony Whealy, KC, previously a NSW Supreme Court judge and now the chair of the Centre for Public Integrity, Australia’s leading anti-corruption think tank, is pressing for transparency over the robo-debt royal commission findings. He insists that the names of those recommended for potential prosecution should be disclosed to the public, advocating for open justice.… Read More
Donation plug pulled and now PwC cuts ties with political access groups
PwC Australia has decided to cease its donations to political groups, tackling the ethical dilemma of granting vast amounts to politicians while simultaneously securing profitable consulting contracts. This move follows revelations by the Centre for Public Integrity, Australia’s leading anti-corruption think tank, which disclosed that PwC contributed over $2 million to both the Coalition and… Read More
What comes next? The possible criminal and civil fallout from robo-debt
The robo-debt scandal in Australia might bring about criminal prosecutions for abuse of public office, recommendations from the national corruption watchdog, and disciplinary measures by professional entities, according to legal specialists. The robo-debt royal commission, chaired by former Queensland chief justice Catherine Holmes, SC, uncovered severe misconduct by past Coalition ministers and bureaucrats in a… Read More
PwC to ban political donations over tax leaks scandal
Amid an ongoing tax leaks scandal, PwC Australia is set to discontinue the majority of its political contributions, removing annual donations that average over $200,000, thereby pressuring other prominent firms like Deloitte, EY, and KPMG to consider similar actions. Anthony Whealy, the chairman of the Centre for Public Integrity, Australia’s leading anti-corruption think tank, and… Read More
Corruption watchdog referrals skyrocket since launch
Australia’s federal anti-corruption watchdog has witnessed a significant increase in its referrals, garnering over 300 since its recent debut. As of Monday, National Anti-Corruption Commissioner Paul Brereton noted that 44 of these came via their online system, a number which quickly rose to 186 online submissions and 116 phone calls by Wednesday. A significant portion,… Read More
Corruption watchdog referrals skyrocket since launch
Since its recent launch, the federal anti-corruption watchdog has received over 300 referrals. National Anti-Corruption Commissioner Paul Brereton revealed that 44 of these were obtained via their online system, with the current figures standing at 186 online submissions and 116 phone referrals. Notably, around 60 pertained to issues already highlighted in the media. The Centre… Read More
Media release – Caps needed to rein in big donors and record spending
Media release 20th June 2023 Experts have welcomed the JSCEM interim report recommending the implementation of donations and spending caps. Analysis by the Centre for Public Integrity shows that donations and spending are at unprecedented levels: The JSCEM interim report presents an opportunity to put caps on donations and spending for the first time. “Elections are… Read More
Major overhaul looms to keep big money out of politics
Catherine Williams, the centre’s research director, points out that this inquiry marks the first real chance in over 15 years to mitigate the undue influence of wealth in Australian politics, championing transparency, integrity, and capped donations. Read More
Scott Morrison’s $4m endorsement of defunct Esther Foundation ‘silenced’ rehab residents
The Esther Foundation, a Christian rehabilitation facility near Perth, is under scrutiny following former residents’ allegations of abuse and mistreatment. These revelations gained further attention after former Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s 2019 visit to the centre, during which he announced a $4 million grant. This personal endorsement, according to former residents like Cara Phillips and… Read More
Coalition government’s ‘brazen’ health grant breach ‘worse than sports rorts’, integrity body says
The Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) has sharply criticized the former Coalition government for deliberate breaches of grant legislation surrounding the Community Health and Hospitals Program (CHHP). The health department’s actions, labeled as “potentially corrupt” by MP Monique Ryan, have raised significant concerns about corruption, transparency, and integrity within the Australian government’s grant system. The… Read More
‘Congestion busting’ and ‘deliberate’ breaches: ANAO’s report into the Health Department $2b local health and hospitals scandal
Dr. Catherine Williams, the Centre’s head researcher, expressed the need for departments to disclose information timely and transparently. Read More
WA Freedom of Information delays as requests to Department of Premier and Cabinet double
Han Aulby, executive director of the Centre for Public Integrity, Australia’s leading anti-corruption think tank, highlighted that these delays are widespread, both at the state and federal levels. Read More
Big four hiring ex-MPs, department heads a ‘conflict-of-interest risk’
The Centre for Public Integrity advocates ending this “revolving door” and enacting tougher post-separation employment provisions and transparency measures. Read More
PwC scandal highlights risks of rampant outsourcing
The ramifications of outsourcing public service functions to the private sector are becoming increasingly apparent in Australia Read More
APS bosses pulled into PwC scandal wringer
The Centre for Public Integrity emphasizes the interconnectivity between political operatives, consultancies, and public servants, Read More
Senators to probe government action on PwC scandal
Centre for Public Integrity, Australia’s leading anti-corruption think tank, highlighting a 400% surge in contracts with the “big four” consultancies over the past decade. Read More
PwC scandal: company stands down employees involved in alleged misuse of tax information
Officials confirmed at Senate estimates the AFP has contracts with PwC acting as its internal auditor, raising potential conflict of interest Read More
Stuart Robert should face anti-corruption watchdog, experts say
Integrity experts and former judges propose that the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), Australia’s new federal integrity watchdog, should investigate the actions of former cabinet minister Stuart Robert. Read More
Jim Chalmers flags public service consultant crackdown in wake of PwC scandal
Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers has announced potential changes in government interaction with private sector consultants following the PwC scandal, though specifics are not yet released. Read More
$4bn APS addiction to Big Four fostered by steady flow of political donations: Centre for Public Integrity
The ‘Big Four’ consulting firms, Deloitte, EY, KPMG, and PwC, have accumulated over $4 billion in federal government contracts in the past decade, Read More
Big four consultancies win $1.4 billion a year in taxpayer-funded contracts
The ‘big four’ consulting firms, including PwC, have expanded their federal business in Australia by 400% over the last decade, coinciding with consistent donations to the major political parties. Read More
Consequences of the PwC tax leaks scandal
The PwC tax leaks scandal has raised serious questions about who governments get advice from – and whether turning to the private sector has fatally undermined the public service. Read More
Doubts over whether federal anti-corruption body could investigate PwC scandal
Legal experts are uncertain whether Australia’s National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), due to launch in July, will be able to investigate the ongoing scandal at consulting firm PwC Read More
OPINION – Our government is being privatised by stealth: PwC scandal shows how
It may be a coincidence, but over the last decade, the major beneficiaries of mass privatisation were donating heavily to both sides of political power – Labor and the Coalition. PwC was one of the largest donors. Read More
Summary: PwC scandal will be referred to national anti-corruption watchdog
The PwC tax scandal in Australia is escalating, with calls from the Centre for Public Integrity, the nation’s leading anti-corruption think tank, for the Commonwealth anti-corruption commission to investigate the matter. Read More
Corruption experts condemn Andrews over IBAC report
Anthony Whealy, former judge and chairman of the Centre, criticised the state’s anti-corruption legislation for only identifying criminal conduct and failing to account for “grey” corruption. Read More
Canberra lobbying must be reined in. Here’s how we can protect our democracy
Summary The Centre for Public Integrity, in a recent study, highlighted how the Australian federal lobbying practices and regulations have been subverted, resulting in secrecy, corruption, and unfair access and influence. The past few decades have seen the Australian government’s climate change policy heavily influenced by fossil fuel lobbyists, an epitome of the OECD’s “policy… Read More
Editorial: The lobbyist prime minister
Summary: Former Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s anticipated move from politics to lobbying exemplifies a concerning trend in Australian politics, where public officials transition to roles representing corporate interests. Morrison’s reported upcoming role with a British defense company, following his significant push for increased military spending, illustrates his focus on personal gain over national interest. These… Read More
Lobbyists rail against ‘unfair’ federal reforms
Summary: The Australian Professional Government Relations Association (APGRA), which represents lobbyists, has rejected calls from the Centre for Public Integrity, Australia’s leading anti-corruption think tank, to legislate the federal lobbyists’ code. The Centre’s report, “Closing the revolving door,” advocates for stronger regulations to curb corruption, improve transparency, and enhance integrity in Australia’s lobbying industry. Key… Read More
Scott Morrison’s reported links to UK defence job shows lobbying reforms needed, integrity experts say
Summary: Scott Morrison’s reported discussions for a UK defence industry role have brought Australia’s pressing need for lobbying reforms into sharp focus. As integrity experts and organizations like the Centre for Public Integrity have stressed, such transitions raise concerns about potential corruption and the abuse of insider knowledge gained while in government. Existing codes require… Read More