Australian Greens: Jobs for mates undermines democracy

With the Grattan Institute today revealing that at least one in five government board appointments are being gifted to political mates, the Greens say it’s time to talk about how political appointments are undermining democracy. 

Lines attributable to Senator Larissa Waters, Greens Leader in the Senate and spokesperson on Democracy:

“People are fed up with the jobs-for-the-boys mentality that so typified the Morrison Government – and they want better from the Albanese Government.

“The government will not receive ‘frank and fearless’ from political allies appointed to push an agenda.

“We need diverse, expert, and fiercely apolitical public institutions and we need people in those roles who are experienced, and motivated by public interest. 

“The Greens will continue to push for independent, merits-based appointments to key public sector and government board roles, so those positions better serve the public.

“Sadly the back scratching goes both ways, with former Ministers and advisors being offered plum industry roles when they leave parliament as a reward for supporting industry-friendly policies. We need a strong Lobbying Code of Conduct to stop the revolving door between industry and parliament.”

Lines attributable to Senator David Shoebridge, Greens spokesperson on Justice:

“There’s more rigour in appointing a junior administration officer than there is for the most senior leadership positions in some of the most important Government agencies. That’s plain wrong and a style of politics that needs to end. 

“The new Federal ICAC must be able to look into the stacking of boards and government agencies. 

“Far too many appointees are there because of who they know, not what they know, and the public pays the price.

“There is a clear mandate from the Australian people to inject integrity into decision making and this means ending the corruption-ready system of politicised appointments.”