The Australia Institute's Democracy Agenda for the 48th Parliament proposes reforms aimed at strengthening Parliamentary debate, increasing government accountability, and enhancing the integrity of our political institutions.
Joined by Greens Senate Leader Larissa Waters and independent MPs Kate Chaney, Zoe Daniel, Helen Haines, Sophie Scamps, Monique Ryan, Andrew Wilkie, the Australia Institute's Director of Democracy & Accountability Bill Browne launched the report today with a press conference at Parliament House.
Key proposals include:
- Adopting Senate Innovations: Reforming the House of Representatives by introducing measures such as private members' motions, simpler suspension of standing orders, and reforms to Question Time.
- Independent Staffing Allowances: Ensuring equitable staffing resources for crossbench and opposition members to improve the legislative process.
- Fixed three-year terms: Committing to full three-year terms to allow better planning of legislation and inquiries.
- Integrity and Open Government: Protecting integrity agencies such as the National Anti-Corruption Commission, strengthening whistleblower laws, and improving transparency in lobbying and political advertising.
- Political Finance Reform: Enhancing the transparency of political donations, including through real-time donations.
"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," said Independent MP Dr Sophie Scamps.
"Australia has one of the world's strongest democracies, but we can't take it for granted. 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," said Independent MP Zali Steggall.
"I strongly stand by The Australia Institute's proposals for democratic reform. Faith in democracy depends on politicians and public servants being honest, transparent, responsive, and accountable," said Independent MP Dr Monique Ryan.
"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."
"Australian voters want a democracy that works for them, not just the major parties and their corporate donors," said Greens Senate Leader and Democracy spokesperson Senator Larissa Waters.
"Democracy needs to be in the hands of the people. Transparency about donations and truth in political advertising are integral to making that happen."
"This Agenda lays out opportunities to improve integrity and strengthen our democracy. It is an important starting point for the next Parliament," said Independent MP Dr Helen Haines.
"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," said Bill Browne, Director of The Australia Institute's Democracy and Accountability Program.
"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.
"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."
