Parliament Unpacked: The Architecture of Democracy

With democracy under pressure internationally, what role do independent institutions play in maintaining trust in the democratic system? What challenges will they face in the lead up to the 2027 NSW State Election?

Join Dr Michael Warlters (Parliamentary Budget Officer), Rachel McCallum (NSW Electoral Commissioner) and Dr Harry Hobbs (Associate Professor, Faculty of Law & Justice, UNSW) for a timely conversation exploring the institutions that help underpin democracy in NSW.
Parliament Unpacked: The Architecture of Democracy offers an insight at the institutions, processes and safeguards that support fair elections, transparent decision-making and public accountability. The discussion will elaborate on the role of the Parliamentary Budget Office and the NSW Electoral Commission, examining how these organisations operate, why they matter, and how they help maintain public confidence in democratic systems.
As trust in democratic institutions is increasingly undermined around the world, our panel will explore the pressures facing these organisations, the importance of their independence and their role in safeguarding the legitimacy of electoral and parliamentary processes.
Whether you're interested in politics, public policy, elections or the future of democracy, this discussion offers a rare opportunity to hear directly from experts at the centre of some of New South Wale's most important democratic institutions