Secret Report on Cronyism Comes Back to Bite Labor

Finance and Women's Minister Katy Gallagher speaks during a budget lockup press conference to announce details of the 2022-23 federal budget to the media at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia, on Oct. 25, 2022. Martin Ollman/Getty Images

A review of political cronyism kept secret for more than two years has put Labor on the back foot, with its leaked advice revealing why.

The review, commissioned by Finance Minister Katy Gallagher, has called for an end to politicised public sector appointments and a move to an independent, merit-based process.