Senate Showdown: Unlikely Alliance Demands Release of Secret 'Jobs for Mates' Report

Government Transparency Under Fire

An unusual alliance of crossbenchers and the Coalition has forced an ongoing extension of Question Time in the Senate, demanding the Labor government immediately release the "jobs for mates" report it has withheld for two years.

The Withheld Report

The report was written and completed in 2023 by Public Service Commissioner Lynelle Brigg. It was meant to be released that year, but Labor still hasn't made it public. Critics, including Transparency International, say the government's refusal is evidence of a "culture of secrecy" when integrity standards are under heightened scrutiny.

Senate Motion and Extended Question Time

The motion, put forward by independent senator David Pocock, the Coalition, and the Greens, has added an extra five questions to every Question Time, with none assigned to the government. Senator Pocock stated this is about holding the government to account, not "trying to cause an issue." He confirmed the extended question time will continue until the government releases the Briggs report.

Government Response

Minister for Finance Katy Gallagher claims the government is "still working on the report," despite earlier promising to release it publicly. She defended the government's transparency after a lengthy question time, stating, "I don't think a blow was landed."

Integrity Concerns and Broader Implications

The push for release comes as the Centre for Public Integrity gave the Albanese government a substandard 'Integrity Report Card', accusing it of "leaning into a culture of secrecy." Transparency International CEO Clancy Moore expressed concern over how government roles are appointed, warning that the influence of big business and wealthy individuals on politics is too strong, increasing corruption risks.

Moore emphasized the need for full transparency in publishing selection criteria for all government jobs and greater accountability in lobbying and political donations.

Crossbench Actions

Independent Senator Monique Ryan is pushing a private member's bill to increase transparency around lobbying activities. Her bill aims to force all professional lobbyists onto the lobbyist register, open ministerial diaries, and close the "revolving door" between public service and industry.

Retaliation and Parliamentary Drama

The government attempted to block senators from skipping any portion of question time, a move Senator Pocock called "petty" retaliation for extending sessions. This would require senators to seek permission for even brief absences, such as bathroom breaks, seen as a jab at Pocock, known for gym visits during breaks.