Integrity Policy: Where do the parties and candidates stand
Integrity and the influence of big money in Australian politics has been a huge issue in this federal election – so many of us want to see our elected leaders take the actions that will make our whole political system more fair, open, participatory and accountable.
What makes for good integrity policy? And where do the parties and candidates vying for your vote stand? On this page you’ll find:
- Our Checklist of what to look for in a strong integrity policy
- A recording of the National Integrity Policy Forum, an online event we hosted on April 12. 25 speakers ranging from political party representatives, independent MPs, and candidates shared a 2 minute presentation about what they’ll do on integrity reforms if elected to Parliament.
- Links to written policy statements from the speakers, and other candidates, outlining the integrity measures they’ll pursue if elected to the next parliament.
Checklist: what to look for in a strong integrity policy
The Framework for a Fair Democracy is a package of reforms that, together, would transform the way our political system works, and make it more fair for everyone. We’ve consulted experts, stakeholders and community groups, to ensure that we have the strongest possible suite of reforms. Our Framework is best practice, and we think that every party and candidate should commit to these measures.
While we need to enact all the policy positions in our Framework to begin the clean-up of our political system, this election there are a few things that we consider the most critical and time sensitive. You can use this checklist to assess whether a candidate or party is offering a solid integrity policy.
- Strong federal integrity commission, including the ability to hold hearings in public, and make findings
- Cap donations to political parties and disclose them publicly in real time
- Limit election spending by corporations and political parties
- Open ministerial diaries, and strengthen the lobbyist register
National Integrity Policy Forum
List of speakers
If you would like to listen to a particular speaker, skip forward to the time listed.
Australian Democrats – Mr Steve Baty (9:45)
Australian Labor Party – Hon Mark Dreyfus, QC, MP (12:01)
The New Liberals – Mr Victor Kline (14:20)
Reason Australia – Ms Hannah Maher (16:30)
Centre Alliance – Ms Rebekha Sharkie MP (18:30)
Australian Greens – Senator Larissa Waters (20:40)
Dr Helen Haines MP – Independent Member for Indi (23:55)
Ms Zali Steggall MP – Independent Member for Warringah (26:35)
Mr Andrew Wilkie MP – Independent Member for Clark (28:45)
Ms Susan Benedyka – Independent for the Senate, VIC (32:06)
Ms Nicolette Boele – Independent for Bradfield (34:00)
Ms Kate Chaney – Independent for Curtin (36:23)
Ms Zoe Daniel – Independent for Goldstein (38:45)
Dr Hanabeth Luke – Independent for Page (40:50)
Ms Despi O’Connor – Independent for Flinders (44:34)
Mr David Pocock – Independent for the Senate, ACT (46:46)
Mr Thor Prohaska – Independent for Dickson (48:50)
Professor Kim Rubenstein – Independent for the Senate, ACT (50:58)
Dr Monique Ryan – Independent for Kooyong (53:10)
Dr Sophie Scamps – Independent for Mackellar (57:11)
Ms Linda Seymour – Independent for Hughes (59:45)
Ms Georgia Steele – Independent for Hughes (1:02:05)
Ms Kylea Tink – Independent for North Sydney (1:04:22)
Integrity policy offerings
These links direct to written statements or policy pages provided by the candidate or party listed. This is intended to be a resource for the community to get informed on who is promising what in terms of integrity reform.
If there’s a party you’d like to vote for that isn’t reflected here, we encourage you to write to your local candidate and ask them their position on our checklist of reforms. If you’re running for election and would like your policy added, please send it through!
Political parties
Sitting Independent MPs
Ms Helen Haines – Independent MP for Indi
Senator Rex Patrick – Independent Senator for South Australia
Candidates
Susan Benedyka – Independent for the Senate, Victoria
Nicolette Boele – Independent for Bradfield
Kate Chaney – Independent for Curtin
Zoe Daniel – Independent for Goldstein
Hanabeth Luke – Independent for Page
David Pocock – Independent for the Senate, ACT
Thor Prohaska – Independent for Dickson
Kim Rubenstein – Independent for the Senate, ACT
Sophie Scamps – Independent for Mackellar
Linda Seymour – Independent for Hughes
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