Bill
Transparent and Quality Public Appointments Bill 2026
lapsed, as at 2026-09-15.
- Sponsor
- Sophie Scamps
- Portfolio
- Not recorded
Recorded stages
- introduced — 2026-03-02
- second reading — 2026-03-02
- other — 2026-09-15
Divisions
No divisions recorded. Most questions are decided on the voices; this does not establish that a bill was unopposed.
Plain-language summary
Written by a model from the explanatory memorandum; not the record, as at 2026-03-02.
The bill would replace the current informal system for filling top federal jobs with a legally binding process.
It would create independent panels and a new commissioner to run merit-based selections, with the minister setting job criteria by legislative instrument.
The bill also bans panels from putting forward recent politicians or political staff for roles, consistent with a 2025 review.
- Sets up an Independent Selection Panel for each department to handle competitive recruitment.
- Requires the minister to publish selection criteria as a legislative instrument.
- Forces panels to exclude recent politicians or political staff from shortlists.
- Allows appointments only from candidates the panel puts forward.
- Creates the Office of the Public Appointments Commissioner to oversee the system.
- Sets up a parliamentary committee to check certain integrity appointments.
Federal government departments, ministers, job applicants, and integrity officers would be affected.
Sources
em
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