Associate Professor Will Partlett is the inaugural Stephen Charles Fellow at the Centre, where he devotes his research to understanding the design and operation of integrity commissions.

As Director of the Centre for Comparative Constitutional Studies, a former fellow of the Brookings Institution, and a leading expert on the centralisation of power,

Will leverages his deep constitutional insight to examine how robust integrity commissions can effectively check concentrated executive authority.

Drawing on critical lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic and the evolution of oversight bodies like the National Anti-Corruption Commission, he highlights the essential roles of balanced parliamentary committees, transparent funding, and thoughtful appointment processes in preserving democratic accountability.

Join us for a thought-provoking conversation that blends rigorous legal scholarship with pragmatic strategies to restore public trust in our government..

What if the failures of a controversial government scheme and a historic referendum could ignite a revolution in our democratic process? In this episode, journalist Quentin Dempster sits down with Professor Gabrielle Appleby—one of Australia’s leading constitutional law academics and a board director at the Centre—to explore how her groundbreaking work strives for transparency, accountability, and reform in government.

Drawing on her academic expertise and firsthand observations, Gabrielle recounts her dual role in pivotal democratic debates. She critically examined the shortcomings revealed by the RoboDebt Royal Commission, advocating for reforms to bolster support for in-house government lawyers and prevent systemic failures. Simultaneously, she played a crucial role in the campaign for constitutional recognition of the Voice, where she served as a constitutional specialist advisor during regional dialogues that laid the groundwork for the Uluru Statement from the Heart.

Through her work with the Centre for Public Integrity, Gabrielle champions systemic reforms to enhance government transparency and accountability. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation about how legal scholarship can drive transformative change in our democratic system.

Former Federal Court judge and Centre for Public Integrity Board member, the Hon. Michael Barker KC, sits down with Commonwealth Attorney-General the Hon. Mark Dreyfus KC MP.

Drawing on his extensive parliamentary experience—having served as Attorney-General twice and representing the historic seat of Isaacs in South East Melbourne— Mark reflects on his journey from his early days as a junior climate minister to his tenure in government.

He discusses landmark reforms, including the introduction of the Public Interest Disclosure Act and enhancements to whistleblower protections, as well as the challenges of establishing a National Anti-Corruption Commission.

Together, they delve into the intricate workings of Australian governance, exploring the dynamics of intra-party negotiations, the significance of merit-based appointments, and the critical role of transparency in rebuilding public trust.

Tune in for a thought-provoking dialogue that illuminates the evolving landscape with one of the chief decision-makers on integrity and accountability in our democracy.

In this episode of In the Weeds, Dr Catherine Williams sits down with Associate Professor Zim Nwokora from Deakin University—a political scientist and member of the Centre for Public Integrity’s Money in Politics Expert Committee.

In today’s conversation, Zim unpacks innovative approaches to campaign financing—from regulating private donations to exploring mixed public-private models. He advocates for a “kittens model” where many small contributions replace the influence of “fat cat” funding, offering a fresh perspective on creating a more equitable and transparent democratic process.

Tune in for an enlightening discussion that challenges conventional financing models and paves the way for reform in election funding.

Behind the Scenes of Integrity

In this compelling episode of the Centre for Public Integrity’s podcast, journalist Quentin Dempster sits down with the Honourable Anthony Whealy, Founding (and current) Chair of the Centre for Public Integrity. Anthony takes us on a journey from his humble beginnings in Sydney—growing up in a middle‑class family with a bookmaker father—to his transformative education and career in law. Reflecting on his colourful experiences and the battles fought in courtrooms and Parliament alike, Anthony discusses how his post-judicial career opened his eyes to the structural and systemic problems in Australia and developed his passion for the importance of restoring public trust through initiatives like the National Anti-Corruption Commission, and how the Centre’s work continues to shape a fairer, more accountable democracy.

Tune in for a thought-provoking dialogue that underscores the power of integrity in governance.

Former Federal Court judge Michael Barker sits down with Larissa Waters, Senator for Queensland and a leading voice for the Greens. Larissa recounts her journey into politics—beginning with her unexpected entry in 2010 and overcoming a notorious section 44 hiccup—to champion a vision of a more representative and inclusive parliament. Together, they explore how diversity in Parliament is essential for informed, fair policymaking; discuss the pressing need to reform our archaic constitutional eligibility rules; and highlight the critical importance of addressing issues from climate action and environmental justice to gender equality. Join this insightful dialogue that not only unpacks the complexities of modern governance but also reaffirms the promise of democracy when it truly represents all its people.

Join Dr Catherine Williams, Executive Director of the Centre for Public Integrity, as she sits down with Andrew Young, former Clerk of the Victorian Parliament and a key member of Deakin University’s Parliamentary Research Unit. In this episode, Andrew demystifies the process of orders for production of documents—a crucial parliamentary tool that compels the government to release withheld information. He explains how these orders underpin the accountability and transparency necessary for effective lawmaking, while highlighting the alarming decline in compliance and the contentious use of public interest immunity claims. Drawing on comparisons between Victoria and New South Wales, Andrew reveals why independent adjudication is vital to ensure governments cannot simply act as their own arbiters. Tune in for a deep dive into a seemingly esoteric issue that strikes at the very heart of responsible government.

In this candid interview, founding board director Geoffrey Watson, SC, takes us on his remarkable journey—from being inspired by “To Kill a Mockingbird” to becoming a leading anti-corruption crusader. A former counsel assisting the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption and a teaching fellow at UNSW, Geoffrey reveals the gritty realities of exposing deep-seated corruption, the personal toll of his work, and the insights that have shaped his career in the pursuit of public integrity. Join Quentin Dempster as he delves into Geoffrey’s experiences, the challenges of defending the public interest, and why the fight for accountability remains more crucial than ever.

In this compelling episode, former Federal Court judge Michael Barker KC sits down with Kate Chaney, MP for Curtin, to explore the evolving landscape of Australian democracy. Kate shares her unexpected journey—from a diverse career outside politics to a historic, reluctant run as an independent in a traditionally Liberal seat—to champion long-term thinking, integrity, and community-driven change. Together, they discuss the challenges of the current system, rebuilding trust in our institutions, and creating a political system that truly reflects the values of its people. Tune in for an interesting conversation that redefines what it means to represent and revitalise our democracy.