Question Time AU

Bill Debate · Second Reading

Transparent and Quality Public Appointments Bill 2026; Second Reading

House of Representatives · Monday 2 March 2026

Official Hansard for this day (APH) · Read this debate on OpenAustralia

At a glance

The debate focused on reintroducing legislation to reform public appointments by establishing independent selection panels and a public appointments commissioner. Members argued that the current system allows for political patronage, citing examples from both previous and current governments. They criticised the government for withholding the Briggs review and failing to implement its recommendations for legislated safeguards. The bill aims to increase transparency and restore public trust through merit-based selection processes and cooling-off periods for former politicians.

Outcome

The motion for the second reading was moved and seconded, but the transcript does not state the final vote result.

Summary in reported speech - not a transcript. AI-generated, so check the official record before quoting.

How the debate unfolded

Opened the debate

Sophie Scamps (Mackellar) (Independent) Ind

Scamps argued that entrenched cronyism and political patronage in public appointments undermine institutional trust and social cohesion. Scamps cited specific examples of appointments under previous and current governments that lacked transparent processes, such as roles at the Climate Change Authority and the National Reconstruction Fund. Scamps criticised the government for delaying the release of the Briggs review for 27 months and for replacing its recommendations with a non-binding framework. Scamps proposed the bill to create an independent selection process overseen by a parliamentary joint committee, including cooling-off periods for former ministers and staffers.