Centre for Public Integrity

Will Partlett speaks with John McKechnie, former Western Australian Director of Public Prosecutions, Supreme Court judge and Corruption and Crime Commissioner, about the limits of “integrity” as an institutional slogan. McKechnie reflects on WA Inc, the creation of independent prosecution and anti-corruption bodies, and why corruption commissions must do more than promote good culture. They must investigate misconduct, expose failures and help ensure public power is exercised for public purposes.

SHOW NOTES:
00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro
01:06 Why Law School
02:24 Early Practice and Crown Move
04:12 Creating the DPP
06:09 WA Inc Taskforce Years
07:42 Epiphany to the Bench
09:37 Judge vs Prosecutor Mindset
11:18 Taking the CCC Job
13:19 CCC Powers and Jurisdiction
14:46 Prosecutions and Proof Limits
19:07 What Integrity Really Means
28:06 Velvet Glove Iron Fist
30:36 Wrap Up and Thanks

What does it take for an integrity watchdog to be genuinely independent? In this episode, Deborah Glass — former Victorian Ombudsman and honorary fellow at Melbourne Law School — explains why the answer goes well beyond personal integrity. She discusses the real pressures created by executive-controlled appointments, funding battles and weak oversight, and sets out what stronger institutional design could look like. This is a conversation about why the fine print of integrity reform matters, and why democratic accountability depends on getting it right.

In this special edition podcast, former federal court judge The Hon Michael Barker KC speaks with Professor Gabrielle Appleby, Research Director at the Centre for Public Integrity and public law expert at UNSW Law & Justice, about how Australia’s Constitution distributes the power over money. They delve into the powers of the Senate, the significance of responsible government, and the historical compromises that shaped Australia’s constitutional framework, and how that played out in the dismissal of Prime Minister Gough Whitlam in 1975. This is a special episode for the upcoming 2026 National School's Constitutional Convention, aiming to foster a deeper understanding of Australia's political and legal landscape.
Show notes:
00:00 Introduction to the Center for Public Integrity
00:20 Overview of the National School's Constitutional Convention
01:05 Introducing Professor Gabriel Applebey
01:31 Understanding Section 53 of the Commonwealth Constitution
02:11 Historical Context and Comparisons
03:21 The Role and Powers of the Senate
05:02 The 1975 Constitutional Crisis
08:52 Modern Implications and Reflections
14:02 The Framers' Intent and Modern Politics
28:22 The 1975 Constitutional Crisis
34:19 Modern Implications and Future Considerations
37:21 Concluding Thoughts

In this episode of the Center for Public Integrity's podcast, the Hon Michael Barker KC, a former federal court judge, interviews Jay Weatherill AO, the 45th Premier of South Australia and recently appointed High Commissioner to the United Kingdom.
They discuss Weatherill's background, influenced by his father's trade union work and his own early immersion into politics. Weatherall recounts his journey to becoming Premier and reflects on the various facets of democracy, the importance of integrity in governance, and the role of civil society.
He shares his views on freedom of information reforms, proactive disclosure, the need for participatory democracy, and the challenges of balancing transparency with effective policy-making. Weatherall also touches on his future role as High Commissioner and the significance of democratic dialogue on the international stage.
Show notes:
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest
00:58 Jay Weatherall's Early Political Influences
02:58 Lessons from Jay's Father
06:17 Jay's Path to Politics and Law
09:07 Entering Parliament and Early Experiences
14:30 Integrity and Ethics in Government
28:17 The Role of State Government in Democracy
29:35 Historical Insights on Democracy
31:25 Unionism and Representation
35:06 FOI and Government Transparency
44:04 Challenges in Policy Making
47:39 The Importance of Civil Society
51:01 Future Role in Diplomacy

In this podcast episode from the Centre for Public Integrity, former federal court judge the Hon Michael Barker KC interviews Professor Megan Davis AC, one of Australia's leading constitutional law academics. Davis discusses her journey from law school to her significant contributions at the United Nations and her current role at the University of New South Wales.
The conversation delves into Davis's work on the Uluru Statement, her views on constitutional recognition for First Nations people, and her skepticism and optimism about future reforms. The discussion also touches on various integrity issues within Australian politics, the discrepancies in indigenous representation, and the broader implications of these issues on democracy and self-determination.