Political integrity and accountability

Concern: Are governments sufficiently transparent and accountable for their decisions?

Key points

• Governments are subject to audits, parliamentary scrutiny, integrity investigations and other oversight processes.

• The effectiveness of these processes depends on their powers, independence, transparency and how findings are acted upon.

• An investigation does not automatically establish wrongdoing.

Possible improvements

• Publish clearer information about government decisions and expenditure.

• Strengthen follow-up procedures for recommendations made by independent investigations.

• Make it easier for the public to track whether recommendations have been implemented.

Future consideration: How can governments be held accountable without making investigations unnecessarily expensive or politically motivated?