Centre for Public Integrity
Centre for Public Integrity
Podcast Description
Australia's leading democracy research institute invites you to take a peek under the bonnet of our parliamentary system as we interview key decision-makers and subject matter experts.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
Focuses on political structures, decision-making processes, and current legislative challenges, with episodes exploring the implications of community independence, the operating conditions of the 47th Parliament, and specific case studies such as Kate Chaney's journey as an independent MP.

Australia’s leading democracy research institute invites you to join us as we explore the inner workings of politics, policy and public integrity. With a commitment to elevating public discourse, this new series offers three distinct perspectives:
- Decision Makers: The Hon Michael Barker KC interviews parliamentarians, revealing the challenges, successes and outstanding issues that they have encountered.
- In the Weeds: Executive Director, Dr Catherine Williams, unpacks the nuances of policy design with leading experts.
- The Centre: Quentin Dempster AM delves into the personal journeys of our experts, sharing the stories that inspired their commitment to transparency and accountability.
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

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