A long-awaited review into federal government appointments has delivered a sharp rebuke of long-standing hiring practices, warning that the current system has too often resembled “patronage and nepotism” rather than a genuine search for talent. The report, led by former public service commissioner Lynelle Briggs, examined how successive governments have filled roles across public boards and agencies.
Originally scheduled for release late last year, the review was held back until this week, with the government saying it remained under cabinet consideration while officials finalised a new appointments framework. Public Service Minister Katy Gallagher defended the delay, arguing the government wanted a complete package before releasing the findings.
Briggs’ report found that although many appointments were made appropriately, too many decisions “looked political”, contributing to a perception that loyalty was being rewarded with public roles. In some portfolios, close to half of all appointments in recent years were made directly by ministers without a competitive selection process, a level the review said was “without parallel” in comparable Westminster systems.
The review also highlighted what it described as “particularly egregious” behaviour: last-minute appointments of political staffers, former MPs and allies in the lead-up to elections, often with little transparency. Briggs argued these decisions undermined confidence in public institutions and risked leaving ministers exposed to unnecessary scrutiny.
While the review recommended several structural changes, including standardised board terms, limits on how many boards one person can sit on, cooling-off periods for former politicians, and a ban on appointments in the six months before an election, the government has adopted only some of the proposals.
The new framework focuses on merit, diversity and transparency, but it will not be legislated, nor will it include mandatory waiting periods or pre-election restrictions. Gallagher maintained that the ministerial code and existing caretaker conventions already provide sufficient guardrails.
The updated rules will apply to all federal appointments from 2 February next year.
Australia’s ‘jobs for mates’ review reveals widespread concerns over political appointments
