Centre for Public Integrity

The Centre for Public Integrity
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Australia’s leading democracy research institute invites you to join us as we explore the inner workings of politics, policy and public integrity. With a commitment to elevating public discourse, this new series offers three distinct perspectives: Decision Makers: The Hon Michael Barker KC interviews parliamentarians, revealing the challenges, successes and outstanding issues that they have encountered.In the Weeds: Executive Director, Dr Catherine Williams, unpacks the nuances of policy design with leading experts.The Centre: Quentin Dempster AM delves into the personal journeys of our experts, sharing the stories that inspired their commitment to transparency and accountability.

  1. Money, power and the Constitution

    JAN 22

    Money, power and the Constitution

    In this special edition podcast, former federal court judge The Hon Michael Barker KC speaks with Professor Gabrielle Appleby, Research Director at the Centre for Public Integrity and public law expert at UNSW Law & Justice, about how Australia’s Constitution distributes the power over money. They delve into the powers of the Senate, the significance of responsible government, and the historical compromises that shaped Australia’s constitutional framework, and how that played out in the dismissal of Prime Minister Gough Whitlam in 1975. This is a special episode for the upcoming 2026 National School's Constitutional Convention, aiming to foster a deeper understanding of Australia's political and legal landscape. Show notes: 00:00 Introduction to the Center for Public Integrity 00:20 Overview of the National School's Constitutional Convention 01:05 Introducing Professor Gabriel Applebey 01:31 Understanding Section 53 of the Commonwealth Constitution 02:11 Historical Context and Comparisons 03:21 The Role and Powers of the Senate 05:02 The 1975 Constitutional Crisis 08:52 Modern Implications and Reflections 14:02 The Framers' Intent and Modern Politics 28:22 The 1975 Constitutional Crisis 34:19 Modern Implications and Future Considerations 37:21 Concluding Thoughts

    41 min
  2. Jay Weatherill AO: Democracy's Challenges and the Path Ahead

    12/01/2025

    Jay Weatherill AO: Democracy's Challenges and the Path Ahead

    In this episode of the Center for Public Integrity's podcast, the Hon Michael Barker KC, a former federal court judge, interviews Jay Weatherill AO, the 45th Premier of South Australia and recently appointed High Commissioner to the United Kingdom. They discuss Weatherill's background, influenced by his father's trade union work and his own early immersion into politics. Weatherall recounts his journey to becoming Premier and reflects on the various facets of democracy, the importance of integrity in governance, and the role of civil society. He shares his views on freedom of information reforms, proactive disclosure, the need for participatory democracy, and the challenges of balancing transparency with effective policy-making. Weatherall also touches on his future role as High Commissioner and the significance of democratic dialogue on the international stage. Show notes: 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest 00:58 Jay Weatherall's Early Political Influences 02:58 Lessons from Jay's Father 06:17 Jay's Path to Politics and Law 09:07 Entering Parliament and Early Experiences 14:30 Integrity and Ethics in Government 28:17 The Role of State Government in Democracy 29:35 Historical Insights on Democracy 31:25 Unionism and Representation 35:06 FOI and Government Transparency 44:04 Challenges in Policy Making 47:39 The Importance of Civil Society 51:01 Future Role in Diplomacy

    54 min
  3. Prof Megan Davis AC - Integrity at the Margins: Power & Accountability in Indigenous Affairs

    10/22/2025

    Prof Megan Davis AC - Integrity at the Margins: Power & Accountability in Indigenous Affairs

    In this podcast episode from the Centre for Public Integrity, former federal court judge the Hon Michael Barker KC interviews Professor Megan Davis AC, one of Australia's leading constitutional law academics. Davis discusses her journey from law school to her significant contributions at the United Nations and her current role at the University of New South Wales. The conversation delves into Davis's work on the Uluru Statement, her views on constitutional recognition for First Nations people, and her skepticism and optimism about future reforms. The discussion also touches on various integrity issues within Australian politics, the discrepancies in indigenous representation, and the broader implications of these issues on democracy and self-determination.

    41 min
  4. ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr

    08/14/2025

    ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr

    In this episode of the Centre for Public Integrity's podcast, host the Hon Michael Barker KC interviews Andrew Barr, Chief Minister of the ACT. The discussion explores the unique governmental structure of the ACT, combining state and municipal responsibilities, and the impacts of this hybrid model. Topics include the evolution and benefits of self-government, the proportional representation electoral system, political stability, and the growing influence of independents. Barr comments on the challenges of lobbying, the importance of transparency, and recent technological concerns such as AI and deepfakes in politics. He also touches on his own political journey, the significance of civics education, and ongoing efforts to ensure integrity in political financing and lobbying.

    45 min
  5. Peter Malinauskas: Reforming Political Finance the South Australian way

    07/07/2025

    Peter Malinauskas: Reforming Political Finance the South Australian way

    In this episode of the Center for Public Integrity's podcast, the Hon Michael Barker KC speaks with Peter Malinauskas, the Premier of South Australia, about the innovative changes to the state's Electoral Act that ban political donations, making elections publicly funded. The discussion delves into the motivations behind these reforms, the influence of Malinauskas' visit to the U.S., and the broader implications for democracy. They also explore the benefits of compulsory voting, the risks of lobbying, and the importance of teaching civics in schools to combat apathy and nurture informed citizens. Premier Malinauskas shares insights from his personal journey into politics and his hopes for the future of democratic engagement in Australia.

    42 min
  6. Zali Steggall - Olympian, Barrister, Community Independent

    06/05/2025

    Zali Steggall - Olympian, Barrister, Community Independent

    Zali Steggall burst onto Australia’s political stage in 2019, unseating a 25-year incumbent to become an outspoken community independent. A world-champion slalom skier turned high-stakes advocate, Zali seamlessly transitioned from life at the Olympic starting gate to the House of Representatives. In her maiden speech, she warned that big money and “spin” were eroding trust in Parliament—an issue she’s since taken head-on, campaigning to outlaw misleading political advertising and push Australia toward net-zero emissions. As a former barrister who helped write key climate legislation and fought to cancel offshore gas leases off Sydney’s Northern Beaches, Zali is as comfortable debating amendment clauses in committee rooms as she once was racing down a World Cup course. On today’s podcast, she’ll share: How the “fight-or-flight” pressure of Olympic slalom prepared her for the national parliamentWhat it takes to pass truth-in-political-advertising laws (and why the major parties still resist)Why she sees a minority government as a chance for genuine cross-bench consensusThe unfinished business—from closing campaign-finance loopholes to toughening the National Anti-Corruption CommissionJoin us to hear how a former world champion skier uses that same razor-sharp focus to tackle Australia’s biggest policy challenges and restore integrity to our democratic process

    35 min
  7. Bridget Archer MP – Federal Member for Bass

    04/17/2025

    Bridget Archer MP – Federal Member for Bass

    The Hon Michael Barker KC speaks with Bridget Archer MP, who has gained a national reputation for her independence and principled stances within the Liberal Party. In this episode, they explore what it means to be a genuine community representative in federal politics. Bridget reflects on her philosophy of putting her electorate’s needs first, the challenges of crossing the floor on major issues like the National Anti-Corruption Commission, and why disagreement and difficult conversations are vital for democratic health. She also discusses the risks and benefits of a growing crossbench and what true integrity in politics looks like.

    22 min
  8. Judge, Barrister, Royal Commissioner, Navy Commander & Deputy Chancellor: the Hon Margaret White AO

    04/14/2025

    Judge, Barrister, Royal Commissioner, Navy Commander & Deputy Chancellor: the Hon Margaret White AO

    Margaret White AO was the first woman judge appointed in Queensland. Before that, she had already had a remarkable career from working in Barbados, as an academic and then on two of Australia's most significant constitutional law cases (Tasmanian Dams and Mabo). Following a lengthy period on the bench, Margaret then went on to run Royal Commissions investigating the racing industry and child protection in the Northern Territory. She reflects on their effect and how they emphasised her belief in the importance of robust regulation and accountability. Currently, she advocates for anti-corruption and democratic integrity as a director for the Center for Public Integrity, motivated by the belief that democracy requires constant vigilance and active participation to thrive.

    43 min
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About

Australia’s leading democracy research institute invites you to join us as we explore the inner workings of politics, policy and public integrity. With a commitment to elevating public discourse, this new series offers three distinct perspectives: Decision Makers: The Hon Michael Barker KC interviews parliamentarians, revealing the challenges, successes and outstanding issues that they have encountered.In the Weeds: Executive Director, Dr Catherine Williams, unpacks the nuances of policy design with leading experts.The Centre: Quentin Dempster AM delves into the personal journeys of our experts, sharing the stories that inspired their commitment to transparency and accountability.

Information

  • Creator
    The Centre for Public Integrity
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    19
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The Centre for Public Integrity 2025
  • Show Website
    Centre for Public Integrity

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