A long-awaited review into the appointment of Australian public sector board members has delivered a scathing verdict, finding that successive governments have routinely abused the process, creating a public perception of 'overpaid political hacks'. The report, authored by former public service commissioner Lynelle Briggs, warns that the practice of appointing political allies has severely undermined confidence in government institutions.
Key Findings of the Briggs Review
Commissioned by the Labor government after its 2022 election win, the review was handed to the government in August 2023 but only made public in December 2024. Finance Minister Katy Gallagher, who announced the review in February 2023, initially stated it would 'put an end to the jobs for mates culture'.
Briggs found broad public dissatisfaction, with many believing ministerial appointments are inherently political. The report states that frequent practices in recent years have involved governments appointing 'friends' to board positions to reward loyalty. 'All too often these appointments have looked like forms of patronage and nepotism,' the report concludes, adding that such actions 'bring governments into disrepute'.
Controversial Recommendations Ignored
The review made several strong recommendations to depoliticise the process. These included instituting independent, competitive recruitment and setting standard four-year terms. Most notably, it proposed cooling-off periods: six months for ex-politicians and staffers, extending to 18 months for former ministers and their aides.
It also recommended a ban on appointments in the six months before a federal election's last possible date to prevent 'last minute bequests' of roles to allies. However, the Labor government has chosen not to adopt many of these specific proposals.
Government's New Framework for Appointments
Instead of implementing the recommended bans and legislative changes, the government has opted for a major overhaul of its appointment principles. A new, government-wide framework is set to come into force from February 2025.
This framework will apply to all Commonwealth public offices, including departmental secretaries and board positions. The core tenets are merit, transparency, and accountability. Appointments must now demonstrate written selection criteria, reflect community diversity, and follow independent panel advice where possible.
Minister Gallagher defended the approach, stating, 'We took the time to get this right. We want to make the best appointments in the national interest with an emphasis on merit, diversity, and accountability.' The government faced significant criticism for its 18-month delay in releasing the report, which escalated into a Senate dispute.
While the new rules aim to restore public trust, the decision to sidestep the review's toughest recommendations leaves questions about whether the entrenched 'jobs for mates' culture can be fully eradicated.
