The Albanese government has ended an 18-month wait, publicly releasing a scathing review that found Australia's system for appointing public sector board members is riddled with practices that "look like forms of patronage and nepotism".
Report Slams 'Jobs for Mates' Culture
Finance and Public Service Minister Katy Gallagher tabled the Review of Public Sector Board Appointments Processes on Tuesday, December 2, 2025. The inquiry was led by former Australian Public Service Commissioner Lynelle Briggs.
The report delivers a damning verdict on recent years, stating that "there are not enough checks and balances" in the current system. It argues that appointments have too often been used to reward political allies or to guarantee alignment with government agendas, undermining public trust.
"All too often, these appointments have looked like forms of patronage and nepotism that should have no place in modern Australian society," the report states.
Key Recommendations Ignored in New Framework
Ms Briggs made a series of robust recommendations to clean up the process and restore integrity. These included implementing independent, competitive recruitment practices, setting standard four-year terms, and limiting individuals to two paid board positions.
To curb political influence, the report proposed cooling-off periods for former politicians and staffers. It suggested a six-month ban for former MPs and staff, extending to 18 months for ex-ministers and their advisers. It also recommended preventing pre-election 'board stacking' by banning appointments in the six months leading up to a possible federal election.
However, the government's newly released Australian Government Appointments Framework does not adopt these specific measures. Instead, it sets out principles requiring ministers to be transparent and make appointments "on the basis of merit." It mandates seeking departmental advice and using independent assessment panels "where appropriate and proportionate."
Political Pressure Forces Release After Long Delay
The report's publication came only after sustained pressure from the Coalition and crossbenchers. The government had commissioned the review in February 2023 but held onto the findings for a year and a half, citing cabinet confidentiality.
ACT Independent Senator David Pocock led a push last month, teaming with other non-government senators to add five extra questions to each Senate question time until the document was released. This tactic resulted in a historic, nearly four-hour question time, the longest on record for either house of parliament.
Senator Gallagher defended the new framework, stating the government is "committed to upholding integrity" and ensuring the public sector reflects Australia's diversity. "We listened to stakeholders, and have designed a Framework that will serve the Australian community for years to come," she said.
The new policy replaces the 2008 Australian Government Merit and Transparency Policy, with the government asserting it will lead to better, more accountable appointments in the national interest.
