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The Australia Institute — Democracy & Accountability Program

The Democracy & Accountability Program is a dedicated research and advocacy program within The Australia Institute, a Canberra-based progressive think tank. Established in 2021, it builds on the Institute's longer history of democracy-related research.

The program is directed by Bill Browne and focuses on practical reforms to improve the functioning of Australian democracy.

Core focus areas

  • Truth in political advertising — advocates for laws making it illegal to make false claims in political advertising, modelled on South Australia's existing framework; polling has shown large public support
  • Parliamentary expansion — research on increasing the size of parliament to improve representation, given each MP now represents significantly more constituents than at Federation
  • Anti-corruption and integrity — work on strengthening the National Anti-Corruption Commission, whistleblower protections, and lobbying transparency
  • Campaign finance — research on donation disclosure, caps, and spending limits
  • Senate and parliamentary procedure — research on the Senate's role, four-year fixed terms, and related reforms