A bill to combat Australia’s ‘jobs for mates’ culture has been put forth. 

Proposed legislation that would put an end to a practice where government ‘mates’ are rewarded with desirable public appointments has been introduced to the Australian parliament by independent MP Dr Sophie Scamps. 

The Ending Jobs for Mates bill aims to eliminate what Dr Scamps calls a “national shame” by ensuring that jobs go to candidates with the necessary skills and expertise, not just those who are acquainted with government officials.

Dr Scamps says; “The people of Australia want and deserve a political system they can trust. This bill aims to do just that by ending for good the cronyism and jobs for mates culture that has undermined our democracy for too long”. 

The proposed legislation would create a public appointments commissioner and independent selection panels to oversee the recruitment process for key public positions such as the national anti-corruption commissioner and Administrative Appeals Tribunal members. A parliamentary committee would oversee the appointment of these panels.

To ensure impartiality, the relevant minister would only receive a shortlist of three candidates after the recruitment process is completed. This way, the appointment process would be free from bias.

Dr Scamps has urged the government to support the bill to restore public trust in the political process by strengthening integrity. 

Victorian independent MP Helen Haines also supported the move, stating that current political appointments are “essentially a political loyalty award scheme” and not a legitimate process. 

“No more captain's picks, let's restore fairness, due process, and trust with quality non-political public appointments,” she said. 

The proposed legislation aims to bring Australia in line with international best practice and end its culture of cronyism and undue patronage.