Centre for Public Integrity

In this episode of the Centre for Public Integrity's podcast, host the Hon Michael Barker KC interviews Andrew Barr, Chief Minister of the ACT. The discussion explores the unique governmental structure of the ACT, combining state and municipal responsibilities, and the impacts of this hybrid model. Topics include the evolution and benefits of self-government, the proportional representation electoral system, political stability, and the growing influence of independents. Barr comments on the challenges of lobbying, the importance of transparency, and recent technological concerns such as AI and deepfakes in politics. He also touches on his own political journey, the significance of civics education, and ongoing efforts to ensure integrity in political financing and lobbying.

In this episode of the Center for Public Integrity's podcast, the Hon Michael Barker KC speaks with Peter Malinauskas, the Premier of South Australia, about the innovative changes to the state's Electoral Act that ban political donations, making elections publicly funded. The discussion delves into the motivations behind these reforms, the influence of Malinauskas' visit to the U.S., and the broader implications for democracy. They also explore the benefits of compulsory voting, the risks of lobbying, and the importance of teaching civics in schools to combat apathy and nurture informed citizens. Premier Malinauskas shares insights from his personal journey into politics and his hopes for the future of democratic engagement in Australia.

Margaret White AO was the first woman judge appointed in Queensland. Before that, she had already had a remarkable career from working in Barbados, as an academic and then on two of Australia's most significant constitutional law cases (Tasmanian Dams and Mabo). Following a lengthy period on the bench, Margaret then went on to run Royal Commissions investigating the racing industry and child protection in the Northern Territory. She reflects on their effect and how they emphasised her belief in the importance of robust regulation and accountability.Currently, she advocates for anti-corruption and democratic integrity as a director for the Center for Public Integrity, motivated by the belief that democracy requires constant vigilance and active participation to thrive.

What if the failures of a controversial government scheme and a historic referendum could ignite a revolution in our democratic process? In this episode, journalist Quentin Dempster sits down with Professor Gabrielle Appleby—one of Australia’s leading constitutional law academics and a board director at the Centre—to explore how her groundbreaking work strives for transparency, accountability, and reform in government.Drawing on her academic expertise and firsthand observations, Gabrielle recounts her dual role in pivotal democratic debates. She critically examined the shortcomings revealed by the RoboDebt Royal Commission, advocating for reforms to bolster support for in-house government lawyers and prevent systemic failures. Simultaneously, she played a crucial role in the campaign for constitutional recognition of the Voice, where she served as a constitutional specialist advisor during regional dialogues that laid the groundwork for the Uluru Statement from the Heart.Through her work with the Centre for Public Integrity, Gabrielle champions systemic reforms to enhance government transparency and accountability. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation about how legal scholarship can drive transformative change in our democratic system.

Behind the Scenes of IntegrityIn this compelling episode of the Centre for Public Integrity’s podcast, journalist Quentin Dempster sits down with the Honourable Anthony Whealy, Founding (and current) Chair of the Centre for Public Integrity. Anthony takes us on a journey from his humble beginnings in Sydney—growing up in a middle‑class family with a bookmaker father—to his transformative education and career in law. Reflecting on his colourful experiences and the battles fought in courtrooms and Parliament alike, Anthony discusses how his post-judicial career opened his eyes to the structural and systemic problems in Australia and developed his passion for the importance of restoring public trust through initiatives like the National Anti-Corruption Commission, and how the Centre’s work continues to shape a fairer, more accountable democracy. Tune in for a thought-provoking dialogue that underscores the power of integrity in governance.

In this candid interview, founding board director Geoffrey Watson, SC, takes us on his remarkable journey—from being inspired by “To Kill a Mockingbird” to becoming a leading anti-corruption crusader. A former counsel assisting the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption and a teaching fellow at UNSW, Geoffrey reveals the gritty realities of exposing deep-seated corruption, the personal toll of his work, and the insights that have shaped his career in the pursuit of public integrity. Join Quentin Dempster as he delves into Geoffrey’s experiences, the challenges of defending the public interest, and why the fight for accountability remains more crucial than ever.

Associate Professor Will Partlett is the inaugural Stephen Charles Fellow at the Centre, where he devotes his research to understanding the design and operation of integrity commissions. As Director of the Centre for Comparative Constitutional Studies, a former fellow of the Brookings Institution, and a leading expert on the centralisation of power, Will leverages his deep constitutional insight to examine how robust integrity commissions can effectively check concentrated executive authority. Drawing on critical lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic and the evolution of oversight bodies like the National Anti-Corruption Commission, he highlights the essential roles of balanced parliamentary committees, transparent funding, and thoughtful appointment processes in preserving democratic accountability. Join us for a thought-provoking conversation that blends rigorous legal scholarship with pragmatic strategies to restore public trust in our government..

In this episode of In the Weeds, Dr Catherine Williams sits down with Associate Professor Zim Nwokora from Deakin University—a political scientist and member of the Centre for Public Integrity’s Money in Politics Expert Committee.In today’s conversation, Zim unpacks innovative approaches to campaign financing—from regulating private donations to exploring mixed public-private models. He advocates for a “kittens model” where many small contributions replace the influence of “fat cat” funding, offering a fresh perspective on creating a more equitable and transparent democratic process. Tune in for an enlightening discussion that challenges conventional financing models and paves the way for reform in election funding.

Join Dr Catherine Williams, Executive Director of the Centre for Public Integrity, as she sits down with Andrew Young, former Clerk of the Victorian Parliament and a key member of Deakin University’s Parliamentary Research Unit. In this episode, Andrew demystifies the process of orders for production of documents—a crucial parliamentary tool that compels the government to release withheld information. He explains how these orders underpin the accountability and transparency necessary for effective lawmaking, while highlighting the alarming decline in compliance and the contentious use of public interest immunity claims. Drawing on comparisons between Victoria and New South Wales, Andrew reveals why independent adjudication is vital to ensure governments cannot simply act as their own arbiters. Tune in for a deep dive into a seemingly esoteric issue that strikes at the very heart of responsible government.

Zali Steggall burst onto Australia’s political stage in 2019, unseating a 25-year incumbent to become an outspoken community independent. A world-champion slalom skier turned high-stakes advocate, Zali seamlessly transitioned from life at the Olympic starting gate to the House of Representatives.In her maiden speech, she warned that big money and “spin” were eroding trust in Parliament—an issue she’s since taken head-on, campaigning to outlaw misleading political advertising and push Australia toward net-zero emissions.As a former barrister who helped write key climate legislation and fought to cancel offshore gas leases off Sydney’s Northern Beaches, Zali is as comfortable debating amendment clauses in committee rooms as she once was racing down a World Cup course.On today’s podcast, she’ll share:How the “fight-or-flight” pressure of Olympic slalom prepared her for the national parliamentWhat it takes to pass truth-in-political-advertising laws (and why the major parties still resist)Why she sees a minority government as a chance for genuine cross-bench consensusThe unfinished business—from closing campaign-finance loopholes to toughening the National Anti-Corruption CommissionJoin us to hear how a former world champion skier uses that same razor-sharp focus to tackle Australia’s biggest policy challenges and restore integrity to our democratic process

The Hon Michael Barker KC speaks with Bridget Archer MP, who has gained a national reputation for her independence and principled stances within the Liberal Party. In this episode, they explore what it means to be a genuine community representative in federal politics. Bridget reflects on her philosophy of putting her electorate’s needs first, the challenges of crossing the floor on major issues like the National Anti-Corruption Commission, and why disagreement and difficult conversations are vital for democratic health. She also discusses the risks and benefits of a growing crossbench and what true integrity in politics looks like.

Former athlete and current independent MP Sophie Scamps reveals her journey from working as a GP to becoming the community independent member for Mackellar. Through the interview, the Hon Michael Barker KC, former Federal Court Judge and Centre Director, queries the successes, the challenges and the issues outstanding for the 47th Parliament, and for Scamps in particular. And asks whether there is an appetite for bold ideas that challenge the status quo—what if independent selection panels, transparent lobbying, and stronger whistleblower protections could upend a system swamped by big money?Curious about how grassroots movements are rewriting the rules of governance?

In this episode of the Centre for Public Integrity’s podcast series, former Federal Court Judge and Director at the Centre, Michael Barker, engages with Helen Haines MP, the dynamic independent member for Indi in the Federal Parliament. Drawing on her deep roots in rural Australia and her unexpected journey into public service, Helen shares how her electorate’s unique challenges—from critical water management and unreliable telecommunications to energy infrastructure and sustainable agriculture—have shaped her commitment to evidence-based policy and democratic accountability. She reveals how grassroots initiatives and a relentless focus on community engagement have driven her work on reforming parliamentary processes and championing integrity in government. Tune in to hear Helen’s position on how independent representation can transform policy outcomes and restore trust in our democracy.

Former Federal Court judge and Centre for Public Integrity Board member, the Hon. Michael Barker KC, sits down with Commonwealth Attorney-General the Hon. Mark Dreyfus KC MP. Drawing on his extensive parliamentary experience—having served as Attorney-General twice and representing the historic seat of Isaacs in South East Melbourne— Mark reflects on his journey from his early days as a junior climate minister to his tenure in government. He discusses landmark reforms, including the introduction of the Public Interest Disclosure Act and enhancements to whistleblower protections, as well as the challenges of establishing a National Anti-Corruption Commission.Together, they delve into the intricate workings of Australian governance, exploring the dynamics of intra-party negotiations, the significance of merit-based appointments, and the critical role of transparency in rebuilding public trust. Tune in for a thought-provoking dialogue that illuminates the evolving landscape with one of the chief decision-makers on integrity and accountability in our democracy.

Former Federal Court judge Michael Barker sits down with Larissa Waters, Senator for Queensland and a leading voice for the Greens. Larissa recounts her journey into politics—beginning with her unexpected entry in 2010 and overcoming a notorious section 44 hiccup—to champion a vision of a more representative and inclusive parliament. Together, they explore how diversity in Parliament is essential for informed, fair policymaking; discuss the pressing need to reform our archaic constitutional eligibility rules; and highlight the critical importance of addressing issues from climate action and environmental justice to gender equality. Join this insightful dialogue that not only unpacks the complexities of modern governance but also reaffirms the promise of democracy when it truly represents all its people.

In this compelling episode, former Federal Court judge Michael Barker KC sits down with Kate Chaney, MP for Curtin, to explore the evolving landscape of Australian democracy. Kate shares her unexpected journey—from a diverse career outside politics to a historic, reluctant run as an independent in a traditionally Liberal seat—to champion long-term thinking, integrity, and community-driven change. Together, they discuss the challenges of the current system, rebuilding trust in our institutions, and creating a political system that truly reflects the values of its people. Tune in for an interesting conversation that redefines what it means to represent and revitalise our democracy.