Faculty/School

Faculty of Business and Law

School of Accountancy

Topic status

We're looking for students to study this topic.

Research centre

Primary Supervisor

Associate Professor Annette Quayle
Position
Associate Professor
Division / Faculty
Faculty of Business & Law

Overview

Corruption and integrity continues to be a significant and ongoing problem in local government in Australia. Since 2014, a total of 19 councils across Australia were sacked or dismissed in response to significant financial, corruption and integrity issues by elected representatives and employees.
This research project is a case study of potential corrupt conduct by employees at the Parramatta City Council in Western Sydney. The NSW ICAC conducted public hearings into the activities of a group of senior employees, and this case study examines the submissions to ICAC and the public hearings to better understand the causes of corruption and integrity failures by senior council employees and suggest improvements to oversight of local government.

Research engagement

Literature review, qualitative data collection and analysis using public enquries and newspaper articles

Research activities

You will collect written and video data which is available online, and working with your supervisor to analyse your findings and write up the case study.

Research skills

You will gain skills in data collection, analysis and writing up research results for public dissemination.

Outcomes

We aim to publish a case study of the causes and consequences of local government fraud and corruption that can be used in awide range of teaching and learning contexts.

Skills and experience

There are no specific criteria you need to be eligible. The  main criteria for success is bundles of curiosity, independence and a questioning and problem solving mindset.

Start date

3 November, 2026

End date

19 February, 2027

Location

QUT Gardens Point (School of Accountancy/Library) and working from your home.

Additional information

You will be given lots of guidance and support from your supervisor to develop your independent research and writing skills.

Keywords

Contact

  • Associate Professor Annette Quayle

+61434199233

a.quayle@qut.edu.au