Australia - November 2022

Australia has established a National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), fulfilling one of the Albanese government’s key election promises. In what experts hail as the biggest reform to federal public accountability in decades, the legislation will boost whistle-blower protections and the ability of journalists to protect the identity of sources. The commission will operate independently from the government and will investigate public officials for corruption, including crimes committed before its establishment, and will begin operation by mid-2023.

Sources: Parliament of Australia (1), Parliament of Australia (2), ABC 

Former Prime Minister Scott Morrison was formally censured over his secret appointments to five portfolios between March 2020 and May 2021. While bearing no legal consequences, it is the first time an Australian prime minister has been censured and allows parliamentarians the chance to formally disapprove of their colleagues. Legislative changes to improve transparency are expected to follow, including the Albanese government's move to make all appointments public to preserve trust in the government. 

Sources: Associated Press, The Guardian, British Broadcasting Corporation