Zali Steggall - Olympian, Barrister, Community Independent
Zali Steggall burst onto Australia’s political stage in 2019, unseating a 25-year incumbent to become an outspoken community independent. A world-champion slalom skier turned high-stakes advocate, Zali seamlessly transitioned from life at the Olympic starting gate to the House of Representatives.In her maiden speech, she warned that big money and “spin” were eroding trust in Parliament—an issue she’s since taken head-on, campaigning to outlaw misleading political advertising and push Australia toward net-zero emissions.As a former barrister who helped write key climate legislation and fought to cancel offshore gas leases off Sydney’s Northern Beaches, Zali is as comfortable debating amendment clauses in committee rooms as she once was racing down a World Cup course.On today’s podcast, she’ll share:How the “fight-or-flight” pressure of Olympic slalom prepared her for the national parliamentWhat it takes to pass truth-in-political-advertising laws (and why the major parties still resist)Why she sees a minority government as a chance for genuine cross-bench consensusThe unfinished business—from closing campaign-finance loopholes to toughening the National Anti-Corruption CommissionJoin us to hear how a former world champion skier uses that same razor-sharp focus to tackle Australia’s biggest policy challenges and restore integrity to our democratic process
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Bridget Archer MP – Federal Member for Bass
The Hon Michael Barker KC speaks with Bridget Archer MP, who has gained a national reputation for her independence and principled stances within the Liberal Party. In this episode, they explore what it means to be a genuine community representative in federal politics. Bridget reflects on her philosophy of putting her electorate’s needs first, the challenges of crossing the floor on major issues like the National Anti-Corruption Commission, and why disagreement and difficult conversations are vital for democratic health. She also discusses the risks and benefits of a growing crossbench and what true integrity in politics looks like.
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Judge, Barrister, Royal Commissioner, Navy Commander & Deputy Chancellor: the Hon Margaret White AO
Margaret White AO was the first woman judge appointed in Queensland. Before that, she had already had a remarkable career from working in Barbados, as an academic and then on two of Australia's most significant constitutional law cases (Tasmanian Dams and Mabo). Following a lengthy period on the bench, Margaret then went on to run Royal Commissions investigating the racing industry and child protection in the Northern Territory. She reflects on their effect and how they emphasised her belief in the importance of robust regulation and accountability.Currently, she advocates for anti-corruption and democratic integrity as a director for the Center for Public Integrity, motivated by the belief that democracy requires constant vigilance and active participation to thrive.
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Sophie Scamps: Are grassroots movements rewriting the rules of governance?
Former athlete and current independent MP Sophie Scamps reveals her journey from working as a GP to becoming the community independent member for Mackellar. Through the interview, the Hon Michael Barker KC, former Federal Court Judge and Centre Director, queries the successes, the challenges and the issues outstanding for the 47th Parliament, and for Scamps in particular. And asks whether there is an appetite for bold ideas that challenge the status quo—what if independent selection panels, transparent lobbying, and stronger whistleblower protections could upend a system swamped by big money?Curious about how grassroots movements are rewriting the rules of governance?
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Helen Haines: Integrity, Independence, and Innovative Policy in Indi
In this episode of the Centre for Public Integrity’s podcast series, former Federal Court Judge and Director at the Centre, Michael Barker, engages with Helen Haines MP, the dynamic independent member for Indi in the Federal Parliament. Drawing on her deep roots in rural Australia and her unexpected journey into public service, Helen shares how her electorate’s unique challenges—from critical water management and unreliable telecommunications to energy infrastructure and sustainable agriculture—have shaped her commitment to evidence-based policy and democratic accountability. She reveals how grassroots initiatives and a relentless focus on community engagement have driven her work on reforming parliamentary processes and championing integrity in government. Tune in to hear Helen’s position on how independent representation can transform policy outcomes and restore trust in our democracy.
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.
Australia