Executive law-making has increased significantly in the past 30 years. The SARS-COV2 pandemic saw this increase further. But parliament cannot abrogate it’s responsibility. And oversight of decision making by Parliament is vital to the health of a democracy.

Executive Power publications:

 

Shrouded in Secrecy

April 24, 2023

Establishing an Independent Transparency Monitor to promote access to information provides a disincentive to secrecy (and therefore enhances transparency)

ACHIEVING INTEGRITY

November 10, 2022

The Centre for Public Integrity has determined a FIVE step roadmap to improve integrity in Victoria.

Scrutiny shortcomings: Victoria

March 13, 2022

Our research indicates that the ability of the Victorian Parliament to provide scrutiny is circumscribed by a number of factors.

The Public Health and Wellbeing Amendment (Pandemic Management) Bill 2021 (Vic)

November 14, 2021

The Victorian pandemic laws offer an opportunity to improve transparency and accountability in times of crisis. For that to occur however…

Online Parliamentary Voting

September 1, 2021

The limited ability for MPs to participate in Parliament online is putting our Parliamentary democracy at risk, according to former judges and accountability experts.

Scrutinizing grant administration: key reforms

July 1, 2021

100% of ANAO audits into grant administration since 2019 have found flaws. Our research suggests the following reforms are required.

Code of Conduct

June 1, 2021

An independently enforceable code of conduct for parliamentarians has been recommended as far back as 1975. It is as relevant today as it was then.

Victoria’s new executive emergency powers must be accountable

June 1, 2021

Scrutiny of the Government response to COVID-19 – and indeed, future emergency situations – should be strengthened by limiting the use of regulations and legislative instruments, increasing the role of Parliament and primary legislation, and not exempting Directions from disallowance and Committee scrutiny.

Executive law-making doubles while accountability decreases

September 13, 2020

The use of delegated legislation by the executive has increased. Commensurate to this is a lack of oversight by the parliament on the executive.

Where there’s a will, there’s a way: How to keep the Victorian Parliament running during the COVID-19 crisis

August 1, 2020

At least 15 parliaments worldwide have adapted to working online. Victoria can do the same. And it needs to ensure the functioning of its role.

 

Members of the Executive Power project committee are:

 

  • Professor Michael Crommelin AO, University of Melbourne
  • Professor Gabrielle Appleby, University of NSW
  • Georgina Costello QC
  • Associate Professor Yee-Fui Ng, Monash University