After 27 months of secrecy, the ‘Jobs-for-Mates’ report lobs. What’s the scam?

After sitting in Lynelle Briggs’ chair No Favorites After 27 months of the report, the Government finally decided to publish it. What is fraud?

The scam is reportThe recommendations are largely ignored, with the government opting for a new proposal instead. Australian Government Appointments Framework.

The report, which covers nearly 200 different government board appointments, harshly criticizes current “jobs for friends” practices, Briggs finds

Current board appointment arrangements are not fit for purpose.

“…the practice in recent years has frequently been to appoint friends of the Government to boards, either as a reward for past loyalty or to ensure alignment with government priorities, and often these appointments have resembled forms of patronage and nepotism that should have no place in modern Australian society.”

The report includes sensible, detailed and actionable recommendations, including measures to create a much broader candidate base (for example, talented people beyond the Canberra bubble), uniform standards for assessing candidates, transparent appointment processes and stricter term limits.

With the long-awaited release of the report, Civil Services Minister Katy Gallagher insisted the Government’s new “Framework” was “informed” by Briggs’ report.

However, rather than acting on very specific recommendations, the framework is long on rhetoric and short on real measures for change, using typically vague language that would make Sir Humphrey Appleby proud. Essentially, board appointments will be at the discretion of ministers, mostly on a ‘best efforts’ basis.

Where appropriate and proportionate, ministers should use independent evaluation panels to identify suitable candidates for appointments.

Should, should, should and things will go on for the friend.

Jobs for Friends: Senate reacts to Government secrecy