Beyond Labels: Securing Functional Independence for Core Integrity Agencies

About the Paper

Australia’s integrity system is only as strong as the watchdogs that hold public power to account. Beyond Labels argues that integrity agency independence cannot rest on statutory labels alone: it must be built into how auditors-general, anti-corruption commissions and ombudsman offices are funded, appointed and overseen.

The paper finds that executive governments retain powerful levers over core integrity agencies, including budget control, appointment discretion and oversight structures that can be weak, politicised or poorly designed. It critiques the tendency to focus on agency powers while neglecting the practical safeguards that determine whether those powers can be used without fear or favour.

Independence, the paper argues, must be paired with accountability: robust scrutiny should reinforce, not undermine, watchdog autonomy.

Recommendations

• Separate appropriation Acts for core integrity agencies
• An independent funding panel
• Transparent merit-based appointments
• Long non-renewable terms
• Non-government-dominated parliamentary oversight committees
• Independent inspectors for agencies with coercive powers

Download the full paper to explore a practical framework for securing integrity agency independence across Australia.