CLEANING UP POLITICS & INTEGRITY
My Priorities
Ban lies in political advertising
An end to hidden donations- especially from social harm industries
Visibility on who’s given money - and how much- before you vote
Require business cases for all significant infrastructure projects
Shine a light on lobbyists so we know who is influencing politicians
Strong whistle-blower protections
Integrity is fundamental to public trust and confidence in governments and democracy.
Australians need to be confident that people in public office are held to the highest ethical standards. We expect decision making in government to be transparent and fair. Parliamentarians should lead by example and embed the best practice standards for safe and respectful conduct in their workplace. People who seek public office must conduct transparent and honest campaigns.
My Private Members Bill: Fair and Transparent Elections Bill
In March 2024, as part of my ongoing commitment to restoring trust in politics, I introduced my Fair and Transparent Elections Bill. The crossbenches of both Houses support my Bill, including David Pocock in the Senate. The Bill introduces a suite of electoral reforms to rebuild trust in our political system, including voters knowing who is supporting political candidates before they vote.
These changes have broad support. Read more about this bill here.
The Government’s recent approach
In November 2024 the Government introduced two Electoral Legislation Amendment bills in the final weeks of the 2024 parliamentary sittings. The first is a bill that will impact on donation disclosure, gifts, election expenditure and caps. It appears that this legislation is going to be rushed through Parliament this year with the support of the Opposition without much needed further scrutiny. It is the biggest change to election law in 40 years and it took 6 months to draft. With complex legislation the Government would ordinarily refer it to a committee for scrutiny. But neither of the major parties are prepared to subject the bill to transparent examination. The public deserves better.
Whistleblowers
The National Anti-Corruption Commission and the first tranche of amendments to the Public Interest Disclosure Act have been passed and are in implementation. The Government has promised a second tranche of reforms to the Public Interest Disclosure Act to better protect whistleblowers.
I have raised with the Federal Attorney General my support for a separate body to protect and support whistleblowers. We need expand the range of persons to whom disclosures can be made and the circumstances in which external disclosures are protected.
A new Whistleblower Authority must extend more certainty and meaningful professional and personal support to whistleblowers in relation their disclosures and protect them from reprisals.
The Government’s November 2023 consultation on public sector whistleblowing has now concluded so I will continue to hold it to account for effective legislative change in this area.
The National Anti-Corruption Commission ACT passed the parliament
The Government’s November 2023 consultation on public sector whistleblowing has now concluded so I will continue to hold it to account for effective legislative change in this area.
This Bill has been a long time coming. The issue of integrity in Government was a key platform during my campaign and so many of you told me you are fed up with politicians not being subject to the same level of scrutiny and accountability as other professions.
Nearly 200 people from Curtin have invested time in understanding the NACC model and developing the Curtin contribution to this Act through our workshops. I am heartened by Curtin’s enthusiasm and dedication to doing politics differently.
I will continue to hold the Government to account on matters that impact the integrity of our public sector.
Listen to Kate’s speeches on matters of integrity and public trust
