Integrity in Public Office Project

Integrity in Public Office Project

The Integrity Project is about Quakers going public with our testimony to integrity. It is a concern we are taking into the public realm, as Quakers have done for centuries (learn more HERE). The Project, independent from politicians and other organisations, contributes to the groundswell in Australia for much greater Integrity in Public Office. 

This Project was discerned and endorsed as a Quaker concern at the annual gathering, Yearly Meeting, in July 2022.

The Project consists of:

• staying informed, encouraging and supporting proposed legislation to increase integrity in public office by contacting politicians and on social media
• organising public actions by holding a banner at Parliament House in Canberra, with the words "Show Integrity in Public Office".
• The fourth action was held on 29 February 2024. Three previous actions were held in 2022 and 2023. Photos and videos of these actions are here, here and here.
• The fifth action is planned for Thursday 10 October 2024. 

 Background to the Project and updates:

The project arose from a deep frustration and concern in Quaker Wies Schuiringa, about the lack of integrity in federal and State parliaments in 2021 and the lack of repercussions for politicians when they had obviously shown a lack of integrity. The report State Capture describes non-integrity in public office well. (A 2-page report summary can be found HERE.) Also read the Quaker Peace & Legislation Committee paper on State Capture-Corrupting Democracy  HERE.

What next? 

Several Bills were presented to Parliament in 2023 to address Integrity in Public Office. 

• Restoring Trust Bill, tabled by Kate Chaney on 7 August 2023. This is a large Bill covering a number of current, murky political processes.
• Real Time Disclosure of Political Donations Bill, tabled by Rebekah Sharkie and Helen Haines on 4 September 2023 
• Lobbying (Improving Government Honesty and Trust) Bill,  tabled by Monique Ryan on 13 November 2023
• The Commonwealth Electoral Amendment (Voter Protections in Political Advertising) Bill, tabled by Zali Steggall on 13 November 2023

The amended Public Sector Whistleblower Protection Bill was accepted in June 2023, in time before the National Anti-Corruption Commission commenced on 1 July 2023. The Attorney General’s office is holding further consultations for second stage reforms to this legislation. https://www.markdreyfus.com/media/media-releases/next-stage-of-public-sector-whistleblowing-reform-mark-dreyfus-kc-mp/

• The Accountability of Grants, Investment Mandates and Use of Public Resources Amendment (End Pork Barrelling) Bill was table by Helen Haines on 26 February 2024.

The Integrity Project will follow the above processes closely and respond via social media to support greater integrity in public office. To change the subculture in and around federal parliament takes courage and requires an “integrated pro-integrity framework”.  

We often draw on the analysis by “integrity experts”, such as Transparency International Australia, The Centre for Public Integrity, The Australian Democracy Network, the Australia Institute, the Accountability Roundtable

How can you get involved?

• Print out and share this flyer about the Project.
• When integrity in public office issues are current, contact your federal member of Parliament or senator to advocate for strong measures to uphold integrity.
• Contact your State or Territory governments and local governments to advocate for greater integrity in public office
• Use your social media to support and encourage greater integrity in public office.

 Contact information

For more information, contact Wies Schuiringa: wies.schuiringa1@gmail.com or 0439 024 397