Crossbench MPs will join the Institute’s Bill Browne at parliament this morning in launching a new range of measures the parliament could adopt to improve transparency.

The Australia Institute’s Democracy Agenda for the 48th Parliament proposed reforms include:

• Adopting Senate Innovations: Reforming the House of Representatives by introducing measures such as private members’ motions, simpler suspension of standing orders, and reforms to Question Time.
• Independent Staffing Allowances: Ensuring equitable staffing resources for crossbench and opposition members to improve the legislative process.
• Fixed three-year terms: Committing to full three-year terms to allow better planning of legislation and inquiries.
• Integrity and Open Government: Protecting integrity agencies such as the National Anti-Corruption Commission, strengthening whistleblower laws, and improving transparency in lobbying and political advertising.
• Political Finance Reform: Enhancing the transparency of political donations, including through real-time donations.