Australia’s leading democracy research institute invites you to join us as we explore the inner workings of politics, policy and public integrity. With a commitment to elevating public discourse, this new series offers three distinct perspectives:
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.
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.
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..
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.