7am The 'jobs for mates' report Labor wanted to hide
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Dec 5, 2025 Karen Middleton, a seasoned press gallery journalist known for her insights into federal politics, discusses the recently released ‘No Favourites’ review. This report reveals a troubling culture of nepotism within political appointments, contradicting Labor's promise to restore integrity. Middleton critiques the government's delayed transparency and selective acceptance of the report's recommendations. She warns that failing to address these integrity issues risks public trust, likening the situation to a satirical 'Yes Minister' scenario.
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Review Was Politically Prompted
- The No Favourites review was commissioned after a Teal MP threatened a private member's bill, showing political pressure drove the exercise.
- Karen Middleton says the government promised timely transparency but then sat on the report for over two years.
Senate Pressure Forced Release
- The Senate, led by David Pocock, forced the government to release the report after long delays.
- Katie Gallagher released it the morning estimates hearings began, leaving senators and journalists little time to review it.
Appointments System Deemed Deeply Flawed
- Lynette Briggs described the appointments system as riven with nepotism and cronyism due to lack of checks and balances.
- She said Australia's system was the worst example among comparable countries she examined.
