Report: Opportunities to improve the operation and effectiveness of the Federal Parliament

14 April 2025

The Federal Parliament is central to Australia’s system of representative democracy. It is crucial that it operates effectively, and that Australians retain trust in it, so our system of government meets   community expectations and serves the public interest. 

The approach of a new Federal Parliamentary term is an opportune time to consider potential improvements. 

The Susan McKinnon Foundation (SMF) has released a report proposing 37 practical, feasible, impactful and evidence-based reform opportunities to improve trust and confidence in Federal Parliament. 

Ultimately, any reform to the operation of Parliament will only be successful if it is endorsed and supported by a broad range of parliamentarians, who have unique experience and expertise that only comes with being elected representatives. 

SMF encourages parliamentarians to use available mechanisms to consider these reform opportunities and build consensus around the highest priority reforms. 

For further information, please contact the Susan McKinnon Foundation (e: info@susanmckinnon.org.au)