INTEGRITY IN PUBLIC OFFICE
Australians deserve a political system they can trust. The Australian Centre Party proposes a new national integrity framework built on independent enforcement, real consequences, and equal rules for all — regardless of party or position. We support a strong National Integrity Commission, real-time donation transparency, an enforceable Ministerial Code of Conduct, and strict post-politics lobbying restrictions. Unlike the Left, we won’t tie integrity to ideology. Unlike the Right, we won’t block oversight. This is about restoring trust — through reason, balance, and enforceable standards.
Restoring trust through independent, enforceable standards
Trust in our political institutions is eroding. Australians are right to be frustrated with a system that too often rewards self-interest, excuses misconduct, and shields those in power from meaningful accountability. From questionable donations to opaque grants, backroom lobbying to post-politics cash-outs — integrity in public office has become optional. The Australian Centre Party believes it must be non-negotiable.
We propose a clean, centrist solution: independent enforcement, symmetrical rules, and practical reforms that restore confidence in those who govern. Our approach avoids the partisan games that often bog down integrity reform. Unlike the Left, we won’t tie transparency measures to ideological agendas. Unlike the Right, we won’t block oversight to protect entrenched interests. Our standard is simple: clear rules, real enforcement, equal accountability — no matter who you are or who you represent.
At the heart of our proposal is a truly independent National Integrity Commission — with the power to investigate federal politicians, public servants, and contractors. It must be equipped to hold public hearings where appropriate, protect whistleblowers, and report directly to Parliament and the public. Investigations must be prompt, public where warranted, and beyond political interference.
We will also introduce real-time donation transparency, capping large donations and banning contributions from foreign entities and registered lobbyists. All donations over $1,000 should be disclosed within days — not months after the fact. Voters deserve to know who funds their representatives, in real time.
To end the revolving door between politics and lobbying, we will legislate a mandatory three-year cooling-off period for ministers, advisers, and senior bureaucrats. Those who hold public power should not cash in on it the moment they leave office. All post-political appointments in regulated industries will be recorded in a public, searchable register.
In addition, we will introduce a binding Ministerial Code of Conduct — with consequences. It will set enforceable standards for ethical behaviour in Cabinet and include penalties for breaches. This isn’t about symbolism; it’s about function. Politicians who violate public trust should face suspension or disqualification, not just public scolding.
We will also legislate for truth in political advertising. Knowingly false or misleading claims during election campaigns will be subject to takedown and penalty, enforced by the Australian Electoral Commission. Voters deserve campaigns based on substance, not spin.
Finally, we will create a Parliamentary Standards Review Board — an independent body charged with overseeing compliance with ethical obligations, conflict of interest disclosures, and integrity standards. It will publish regular reports and make findings public, increasing pressure for compliance without politicisation.
Integrity is not a culture war issue. It is a functional requirement of democracy. Our approach avoids weaponising reform and instead applies consistent, rational standards. Where the Left over-promises and politicises, and the Right resists and deflects, we offer a third way: independent, transparent, enforceable — and better.
Australians deserve a political system where integrity is not optional. Under the Australian Centre Party, it won’t be.
We propose a clean, centrist solution: independent enforcement, symmetrical rules, and practical reforms that restore confidence in those who govern. Our approach avoids the partisan games that often bog down integrity reform. Unlike the Left, we won’t tie transparency measures to ideological agendas. Unlike the Right, we won’t block oversight to protect entrenched interests. Our standard is simple: clear rules, real enforcement, equal accountability — no matter who you are or who you represent.
At the heart of our proposal is a truly independent National Integrity Commission — with the power to investigate federal politicians, public servants, and contractors. It must be equipped to hold public hearings where appropriate, protect whistleblowers, and report directly to Parliament and the public. Investigations must be prompt, public where warranted, and beyond political interference.
We will also introduce real-time donation transparency, capping large donations and banning contributions from foreign entities and registered lobbyists. All donations over $1,000 should be disclosed within days — not months after the fact. Voters deserve to know who funds their representatives, in real time.
To end the revolving door between politics and lobbying, we will legislate a mandatory three-year cooling-off period for ministers, advisers, and senior bureaucrats. Those who hold public power should not cash in on it the moment they leave office. All post-political appointments in regulated industries will be recorded in a public, searchable register.
In addition, we will introduce a binding Ministerial Code of Conduct — with consequences. It will set enforceable standards for ethical behaviour in Cabinet and include penalties for breaches. This isn’t about symbolism; it’s about function. Politicians who violate public trust should face suspension or disqualification, not just public scolding.
We will also legislate for truth in political advertising. Knowingly false or misleading claims during election campaigns will be subject to takedown and penalty, enforced by the Australian Electoral Commission. Voters deserve campaigns based on substance, not spin.
Finally, we will create a Parliamentary Standards Review Board — an independent body charged with overseeing compliance with ethical obligations, conflict of interest disclosures, and integrity standards. It will publish regular reports and make findings public, increasing pressure for compliance without politicisation.
Integrity is not a culture war issue. It is a functional requirement of democracy. Our approach avoids weaponising reform and instead applies consistent, rational standards. Where the Left over-promises and politicises, and the Right resists and deflects, we offer a third way: independent, transparent, enforceable — and better.
Australians deserve a political system where integrity is not optional. Under the Australian Centre Party, it won’t be.