Thanks for a great article.I think that the most important issue you raised is the corruption of democracy at the entry point of a political career- the pre-selection. When a candidate learns on day one that manipulation of the system within his own party is successful,(and necessary),what hope for future transparency and accountability is there? Too often the wrong sort of people win these games,and usually the honest will not even want to take part.
So from the outset candidates "owe" someone or some faction.What hope ethical behavior? Or accoutability to parliament or the people?
If this issue could be fixed and an ethical base established, some of your other points would follow easily. Good luck.

As a new public servant in WA when Burke and Grill came to power; I recall one of the most important early actions was the removal of the Public Service Board. Most Australians have probably forgotten that once upon a time, each and every public servant was precisely that and protected by a public service board. In other words, a Minister could not communicate with a public servant unless they went through certain procedures enforced by the Board. The politicisation of the public service across this country was a direct result of the removal of these boards. It certainly immediatly impacted on us in 1985 and by the time I left in 1998, we were simply extensions of the Ministers Office. Yet, I've never heard anyone ever question this decision and its impact is still with us today. It remains, a disgrace and for me, a continued sign that non our politicians are particularly interested in maintaining seperation of powers. I suppose we'll wake up as they slowly infringe on our judiciary - by then it will be too late!