Integrity and Public Sector Governance: a democratic deficit?

This chapter examines two of the pillars of a good governance mix. First, the Abbott-Turnbull governments’ warring relationship with two commonwealth integrity agencies carrying responsibilities for accountability and open government, the Australian Human Rights Commission and the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner. Second, through a focus on the issue of freedom of speech, a contrast can be drawn from moves to extend freedom of speech provisions in relation to the Racial Discrimination Act, with the introduction of laws that curtail freedom of speech in relation to border protection and care of asylum seekers in detention. The cases of the integrity agencies and the provisions of freedom of speech serve to underline the increasing power given to executive decision-making and away from judicial oversight or open and public legislative debate and resolution.