Labor's Secretive Tactics: Unveiling the 'Jobs for Mates' Report and the Fight for Transparency
In a move that has sparked controversy, the Labor Party is accused of attempting to conceal a report on the controversial practice of 'jobs for mates' within the federal government. This report, commissioned by the Albanese government, has been shrouded in secrecy, with the party going to great lengths to keep its findings hidden from the public eye.
The report, led by former Australian public service commissioner Lynelle Briggs, was initiated in February 2023 and focused on public sector board appointments. It was expected to be published by late 2023, but the government has yet to release it. The finance and public service minister, Katy Gallagher, claims the report is still under cabinet consideration, but this has not satisfied crossbenchers in parliament, including ACT senator David Pocock.
Pocock's Motion for Transparency
Last week, Pocock moved a motion to amend the Senate's standing orders, aiming to add extra questions to question time until the report was made public. This move, supported by the Coalition and the Greens, resulted in a lengthy question time and retaliation from Labor, who attempted to enforce attendance through roll calls. Gallagher defended the government's position, accusing Pocock and other non-government senators of misusing Senate orders to demand an unreasonable number of government documents.
Labor's Response and Criticism
Labor's figures reveal a significant increase in Senate orders for document production during the 1990s under the Keating government, compared to the recent parliamentary term. In response, Gallagher offered a closed-door briefing on the report's findings to the finance and public administration committee, promising to release the report before the end of the year, as required by a Senate order.
However, the shadow home affairs minister, Liberal senator Jonathan Duniam, proposed an amendment to reinstate longer question time if the government fails to provide the report by December 31. Pocock further emphasized the urgency by seeking to bring the deadline forward to November 24, aiming to prevent the government from 'burying' the report during the pre-Christmas period.
The controversy extends to Labor's plans to curb transparency through changes to freedom of information, a move being debated in the lower house. Critics argue that these changes could undermine the government's commitment to increased transparency, adding to the ongoing debate over the 'jobs for mates' report and the government's handling of Senate orders.
The Fight for Transparency Continues
The Senate question time sessions have been lengthy and sometimes chaotic, with Labor accusing some senators of skipping question time for personal reasons. Despite these challenges, the crossbench senators, including the Greens' Sarah Hanson-Young, emphasize their desire to improve government processes and enhance transparency. The 'jobs for mates' report remains a central issue, highlighting the need for accountability and the preservation of the Senate's role in holding the government accountable.
