It’s taken a while – more than two years, in fact – but Lynelle Brigg’s report into ‘jobs for mates’ has finally been released. Photo: Region.
The Federal Government has finally released the damning “jobs for mates” report that recently saw Senate Question Time descend into extended chaos over Labor’s delay in tabling it in Federal Parliament.
Former public service commissioner Lynelle Briggs delivered her final report into the Review of Public Sector Board Appointments Processes more than two years ago, but the delay in making it public caused the Senate to extend QT grilling of the government until it was tabled.
Labor then struck a deal with the crossbench to release it before Christmas.
There appears good reason for the delay – it is a scathing analysis of how government appointments have been corrupted.
The report refers to “reward for past loyalty” and seeking to align appointments with government priorities in current processes.
It found there were not enough “checks and balances” in how some government board appointments are currently made.
“All too often these appointments have looked like forms of patronage and nepotism that should have no place in the modern Australian society,” the report states.
It calls for an end to “last-minute bequests”, meaning a six-month stay on appointments before a federal election.
“Such bequests in the dying days of a government are shameless; are widely frowned upon by the public; and bring governments into disrepute,” Ms Briggs wrote.
The report also recommends former politicians and staffers be banned from holding public board positions for at least six months after leaving parliament – and 18 months for ex-ministers and their staff.
“I am proposing a series of careful and measured reforms to the processes by which board members are identified, selected, appointed, and supported in their roles.” Ms Briggs wrote.
“The idea is to systematise appointment processes in legislation so that there is a standard appointment process that is disciplined and rigorous in its application and which will provide the benchmark for ministerial appointment practice.
“The proposed appointments model will deliver better candidates, from a wider range of circumstances, for board positions.”
The government does not appear enthusiastic about implementing all of the report’s recommendations, however.
Instead, in part in response, Labor has released the new Australian Government Appointments Framework, which changes selection processes within the Australian Public Service to enable Ministers and agencies to bypass merit lists and previously restrictive procedures, but it also places greater scrutiny over filling top roles.
Informed by the Briggs Review, the framework seeks to address the jobs-for-mates issues that have plagued too many areas of government appointments in the past.
The long-awaited report was released on Tuesday (2 November), as was the new framework that will come into effect from 2 February 2026.
While it incorporates recommendations from the Briggs Review and establishes clear ministerial responsibility and accountability for appointments, the new framework goes beyond the review’s scope to include a broader range of Commonwealth appointments, including agency heads and secretaries.
But it doesn’t go into some of the more pointed recommendations from Ms Briggs.
Public Service Minister Katy Gallagher said the framework was developed through a multi-stage process, including extensive consultation across government, and is robust, flexible, and fit-for-purpose.
“Australians expect the highest standards of integrity and transparency in public sector appointments,” she said.
“Our new Australian Government Appointments Framework delivers on that expectation, setting out clear principles and best practice guidance for ministers and departments.
“We took the time to get this right. We listened to stakeholders and have designed a framework that will serve the Australian community for years to come.”
The newly released framework replaces the 2008 Australian Government Merit and Transparency Policy, and introduces foundational principles, practical tools, and guidance to support agencies.
Rather than prescribing rigid, one-size-fits-all rules, it empowers Ministers and agencies to tailor selection processes to the unique requirements of each role, while maintaining high standards of accountability and public trust.
This approach seeks to ensure the framework can adapt to evolving needs and circumstances, supporting robust and fair appointments in a dynamic public sector.
It also forms part of the government’s broader integrity work program, which includes reforms to the Ministerial Code of Conduct, whistleblower protections, and the establishment of the National Anti-Corruption Commission.
“We want to make the best appointments in the national interest with an emphasis on merit, diversity, accountability and this new framework delivers this,” Senator Gallagher said.
“This framework is about making sure appointments are made on merit, with transparency and accountability at every step.
“We are committed to upholding integrity and ensuring our public sector reflects the diversity of the people we represent.
“The government thanks Ms Briggs for her detailed work and considered report, which has underpinned a new and fit-for-purpose appointments framework for the Australian Government.”
Departments will be expected to support appointment processes by providing strong operational and administrative capability and high-quality advice, enabling a broader range of quality candidates and making government appointments more effective.
