“I am sure the new government has read the [interim] inform and act accordingly, ”he said.
In 2007, Rudd’s incoming government abandoned four bodies that had been part of WorkChoices ’laws, including the Australian Industrial Relations Commission, and replaced them with what is now the Fair Labor Commission.
The Center for Public Integrity says all appointments to the AAT and other statutory and public service positions must be opened to restore people’s confidence in politics.
This would include departmental secretaries, Commonwealth companies such as Australia Post and statutory appointments such as the auditor general, the election commissioner and the Fair Work Commission.
The NSW government is currently facing scrutiny over the appointment of former Deputy Prime Minister John Barilaro for a $ 500,000 a year job as a U.S.-based trade representative.
There is already an independent process for appointing members to the ABC and SBS boards.
Former ACCC President Allan Fels, who has been on the station’s nomination panel, said the open process often ended with people requesting that they would otherwise have been overlooked.
“It has become a habit that these days most appointments are politically motivated. And that’s not good for public confidence or integrity in government, ”he said.
“We created statutory boards to prevent political influences from determining results; if we wanted politics to determine the results, we would leave decision-making in the hands of politicians. “
In a new document released Thursday, the center says all positions must be announced with clear criteria, an independent panel interviews applicants, and ministers only appoint people from the panel’s shortlist with a report submitted in parliament describing their qualifications and experience.
It also recommends that vice presidents and senior members of the AAT have legal qualifications and at least five years of practice, while members without legal qualifications cannot make decisions alone.
Loading
Center for Public Integrity President Anthony Whealy QC said important government appointments were being made without any selection criteria or interview process. He also advocated the dissolution of the AAT and its replacement by new independent appointments.
“Everyone is expected to apply for work, why should these positions be different?” He said.
Independent MP Sophie Scamps said the new government led by example and establishing transparent and fair recruitment processes was crucial.
“[This would] ensuring that senior public service positions are awarded to those most qualified for the job, rather than continuing the political practice of ensuring ‘jobs for colleagues’, ”he said.
Cut the noise of federal politics with Jacqueline Maley’s news, opinions, and expert analysis. Subscribers can subscribe to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter here.