Today we face an uncertain world dominated by images of war, starvation, and populist ‘strong man’ abusing their entrusted power for private gain. 

Vested interests, mis and dis-information are infecting politics the world over, polarising debate and sowing seeds of mistrust in our public institutions.  

And the greatest challenge facing humanity, climate change, is not only an environmental crisis but a governance crisis.  

Yet against this global backdrop of darkness, Australia can be a bright shining light. 

So today, I’m putting forward three bold solutions to build trust in our democracies, hold the corrupt to account and safeguard climate action from corruption. 

A global asset register 

From grand corruption to massive wealth inequalities to human trafficking, financial secrecy is an engine of global injustices. 

Despite some progress on corporate transparency, criminals, kleptocrats, and corrupt officials continue to hide their dirty money, behind shell companies, trusts, secret bank accounts, and luxury assets. 

One clear solution to the financial secrecy problem is a global asset register.

A global asset register would a worldwide database of high-value real estate, luxury goods such as art, yachts, and private jets, financial securities and other assets – along with information on their real owners who so often hide in the shadows. 

Leading economists have proposed the creation of a global asset register as a key tool to address wealth inequalities.  

It would also be a game-changer in the fight against crime and corruption. 

Empower law enforcement and journalists to conduct investigations. 

Strengthening sanctions regimes 

Helping the return of stolen assets to victims of corruption  

Clearly, any global asset register would need be built on a foundation of effective national-level asset and beneficial ownership registers.

Australia can start taking steps towards this big and bold reform.  

The Albanese government must keep its 2022 election promise an introduce a public, centralised, accessible beneficial ownership register without delay 

Shining a light on ultimately owns and benefits from corporate structures will prevent corruption from taking hold. 

Reforming Australia’s Lobbying Laws 

To help restore trust in our democracy, we need to embrace transparency and reform federal lobbying rules. 

Secondly, the 2025 ANU election survey shows public trust in government institutions has eroded. 

Only 34% per cent express confidence in the federal government, down from 59% in 2024. 

And almost 4 in 5 Australians think governments are more influenced by the interests of big business than ordinary Australians. 

Our research shows the Commonwealth’s regulation of lobbying lagging most states and equal bottom with the ACT and NT.  

Alongside proactive disclosure of ministers’ and MPs diaries, we need a Commonwealth legislated lobbying code with teeth that includes in-house lobbyists, peak bodies and industry associations. 

To stop the revolving door that has seen almost every federal resources minister since 2001, go to work in the fossil fuel sector shortly after leaving parliament… 

we need a minimum of 3 year cooling off period for ministers and senior public servants. 

This will build trust in our parliaments, and ensure that powerful private interests do not outweigh the voices of everyday Australians.  

A clean COP31 

And lastly, it’s critical that we take a leading role in climate integrity.  

Because corruption threats to derail our biggest collective challenge.  

As Australia pitches to host the UN Climate Summit, or COP31, next year, we should do so not only as a climate advocate, but as a global standard-bearer for transparency and integrity. 

Last year research from Transparency International showed a total of 339 fossil fuel lobbyists were accredited as official national negotiators at COP29. 

Another 867 accessed closed-door talks using government issued badges. 

By hosting a clean, transparent COP in 2026, Australia can demonstrate that climate action and anti-corruption go hand in hand.  

From procurement to participation, we must ensure that every dollar, deal, and decision serves people and our environment, not private interests.  

These three bold solutions – a global asset register, reforming Australia’s lobbying laws and a clen COP, are joined by a common thread of transparency and trust.   

Solutions for fairer future for everyone.