US EditionPublished • loading... • Updated
‘Overpaid political hacks’: Public trust lost over jobs for mates
- On Tuesday, Lynelle Briggs's long-awaited review was released after two years, urging an overhaul of politicised federal government appointments as the government unveiled a new framework.
- Briggs found recent governments often appointed allies or supporters to boards, with six to seven per cent political but up to half direct ministerial appointments, eroding trust with the Australian public.
- Her recommendations include legislating standard terms for board appointments and statutory office holders, enforcing cooling-off rules barring recent politicians and staffers, and limiting multiple paid roles unless the prime minister approves.
- Public Service Minister Katy Gallagher defended the timing and said the government listened to stakeholders and designed a framework to serve the community, adding `Australians expect the highest standards of integrity and transparency in public sector appointments`.
- Senators forced publication by extending question time daily, triggering the longest three-and-a-half-hour session, while the recommendations aim to restore public trust by involving the Australian Public Service Commission and curbing ministers' appointment powers.
Insights by Ground AI
11 Articles
11 Articles
Scathing review finds government appointments often 'look like nepotism'
A report into government appointments to boards has savaged the system, which it found too often allowed governments to award friends or pick candidates for political purposes, eroding trust with the public.
·Australia
Read Full Article
Coverage Details
Total News Sources11
Leaning Left6Leaning Right2Center0Last UpdatedBias Distribution75% Left
Bias Distribution
- 75% of the sources lean Left
75% Left
L 75%
R 25%
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
