Lexi Webster
Australia has been ranked 12th, 13th, and 14th least corrupt nation in the world by Transparency International's Corruption Perception Index. However, this ranking has been declining over the years, and there are concerns about the influence of money in politics and the effectiveness of whistleblower protections. While the Australian government has taken steps to address corruption, such as establishing the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) and providing funding for a Commonwealth Integrity Commission (CIC), there are still calls for stronger anti-corruption measures and increased transparency.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Transparency International's Corruption Perception Index ranking | 12th (2019), 13th (2022), 14th (2024) |
| Transparency International's Corruption Perception Index score | 77 (2019), 75 (2022) |
| Griffith University survey results | 85% perceive at least 'some' federal politicians as corrupt (2018) |
| Deloitte's Bribery and Corruption Survey results | 69% perceived bribery/corruption as a risk (2020) |
| Percentage of Australians wanting a federal anti-corruption body | 80%-85% |
| Existence of Commonwealth Integrity Commission (CIC) | No |
| National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) | Yes |
| Number of complaints against local government related to misuse of position | 27% |
| Number of reports of wrongdoing by public officials in NSW | 1,538 |
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What You'll Learn
- Public trust in the Australian government is at an all-time low
- Australia's ranking on the Corruption Perceptions Index has fallen
- Calls for the Australian government to improve whistleblower protections
- The influence of money in Australian politics
- The Australian government's efforts to combat corruption
Public trust in the Australian government is at an all-time low
The perceived increase in corruption within Australia has been attributed to several factors. One notable issue is the influence of money in politics, with the Transparency International report highlighting the link between murky political donations and the perception of corruption. Integrity scandals involving both major political parties, such as the "sports rorts" affair, have further contributed to the public's declining trust. Additionally, there has been a rise in reports of wrongdoing by public officials, with whistleblowers in New South Wales making a record 1,538 reports in 2018-19, an increase of 30% from the previous year.
The Australian government has faced growing calls for the establishment of an independent federal corruption body, with 80-85% of Australians expressing support for such a measure. In response, the government announced the creation of the Commonwealth Integrity Commission (CIC) to address corrupt and criminal behaviour by Commonwealth employees. However, critics have described the proposed CIC as a watered-down version of a federal anti-corruption commission, lacking sufficient powers to effectively combat corruption.
To address the declining trust and combat corruption, experts have recommended several measures. These include reducing the influence of money in politics, strengthening whistleblower protections, and passing legislation to tackle foreign bribery and money laundering. Additionally, the establishment of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has been proposed to provide an independent mechanism for investigating serious and systemic corruption. With increased transparency and accountability reforms, Australia aims to improve its standing and regain the trust of its citizens.
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Australia's ranking on the Corruption Perceptions Index has fallen
Australia's ranking on the Corruption Perceptions Index has fluctuated over the years, with a general trend of decline since 2012. The Index, published by Transparency International, ranks 180 countries based on perceived levels of public sector corruption, with scores ranging from 0 (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean).
In 2019, Australia was ranked 12th, with a score of 77, a significant drop from 2012 when it scored 85. This placed Australia among 21 countries that had experienced a significant decrease in their scores. The 2019 report highlighted the "corrosive" influence of money in politics, with murky political donations undermining government integrity.
The following years saw a further decline in Australia's ranking. In 2021, Australia's score dropped to 73, the lowest point in recent years. However, the country's efforts to improve public sector integrity began to pay off, and in 2022, Australia climbed back into the top 10, ranking 13th with a score of 75. This represented a six-place drop since 2012 but was an improvement from the previous year.
Despite Australia's recent improvement, the country still faces challenges regarding corruption. There have been persistent calls for the establishment of a strong, independent federal anti-corruption body, with many Australians expressing support for such a commission. The lack of a powerful watchdog at the Commonwealth level has been noted, and critics have argued that the proposed Commonwealth Integrity Commission (CIC) is insufficient and too limited in its powers.
The impact of corruption extends beyond the political sphere. Bribery and corruption surveys conducted by Deloitte in 2020 and 2023 revealed that a significant percentage of respondents perceived bribery and corruption as a risk to their organizations across various sectors. Additionally, a 2018 survey by Transparency International and Griffith University found that 85% of respondents perceived at least "some" federal politicians as corrupt, and trust in the government has been declining. These findings underscore the need for continued efforts to enhance transparency and integrity in Australia's public sector.
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Calls for the Australian government to improve whistleblower protections
Australia has been perceived as increasingly corrupt, with perceptions falling over the last decade. In 2019, Transparency International's Corruption Perception Index ranked Australia 12th in the world in terms of countries considered least corrupt, with a score of 77. This ranking has since dropped to 13th place in 2022, with a score of 75.
To address this, there have been calls for the establishment of an independent federal corruption body, with 80-85% of Australians expressing support for a federal ICAC to monitor politicians and public servants. The Australian government has responded by announcing the creation of the Commonwealth Integrity Commission (CIC) to address corrupt and criminal behaviour by Commonwealth employees. However, critics have described the proposed CIC as a "watered-down" version of a federal anti-corruption commission, citing its limited powers.
In the absence of a robust federal anti-corruption body, the onus falls on whistleblowers to identify and report misconduct and breaches of the law. Whistleblowers play a crucial role in safeguarding the public interest and holding powerful entities accountable. To encourage whistleblowing and protect those who come forward, Australia has implemented several whistleblower protection laws and frameworks.
The Corporations Act 2001 provides legal rights and protections for whistleblowers, allowing them to report misconduct or breaches of the law without fear of retaliation. These protections apply to both internal and external reports made to authorised entities, including regulators such as the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and the Australian Prudential Regulatory Authority (APRA). Whistleblowers can choose to remain anonymous and have their identities kept confidential. Additionally, it is illegal to retaliate against or cause detriment to a whistleblower, with penalties including criminal offences and civil penalties.
However, there are calls for the Australian government to further strengthen whistleblower protections. Despite the existing framework, whistleblowers may still face challenges and risks when reporting misconduct. To enhance whistleblower protections, the government should consider the following measures:
- Expanding the scope of eligible recipients for whistleblower disclosures beyond the current limited options.
- Enhancing confidentiality protections to ensure that the identities of whistleblowers are safeguarded throughout the reporting process and thereafter.
- Providing clear guidelines and training for individuals and entities that receive whistleblower reports to ensure proper handling and compliance with legal obligations.
- Establishing an independent body or ombudsman to oversee the implementation of whistleblower protections and investigate any breaches or retaliation against whistleblowers.
- Increasing awareness and accessibility of whistleblower rights and protections to encourage more individuals to come forward without fear of repercussions.
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The influence of money in Australian politics
Australia has historically been perceived as one of the least corrupt nations in the world. However, in recent years, this perception has changed, with Transparency International's Corruption Perception Index ranking of Australia falling from 85 in 2012 to 75 in 2022. This is still a relatively high score, but it indicates a decline in the country's standing relative to other nations.
The ""corrosive"" influence of money in Australian politics has been identified as a significant factor contributing to the perception of increasing corruption. The lack of transparency in political donations has led to a perception of Australia as a more corrupt country. This was highlighted in a series of integrity scandals involving both major parties, including the New South Wales Labor Party, which was scrutinized for allegedly accepting an unlawful donation of $100,000 from a Chinese billionaire.
The Australian government has faced persistent calls to establish an independent federal corruption body. While the government has proposed creating a Commonwealth Integrity Commission (CIC) to address corruption and criminal behaviour by Commonwealth employees, critics have described the proposed body as weak and limited in its powers.
The establishment of an effective federal anti-corruption agency is widely supported by Australians, with polls indicating support ranging from 75% to 85%. The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has been suggested as an alternative, providing an independent mechanism to investigate and address serious and systemic corruption.
In addition to addressing the influence of money in politics, Australia's efforts to combat corruption include strengthening whistleblower protections and passing legislation to tackle foreign bribery and money laundering. These measures are intended to reduce the risk of bribery and corruption and improve transparency and accountability.
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The Australian government's efforts to combat corruption
The Australian government has been taking several measures to combat corruption and improve transparency and accountability. Here are some key efforts:
The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC): The NACC is a pivotal organisation designed to enhance integrity in the Commonwealth public sector. It aims to deter, detect, and prevent corrupt conduct involving Commonwealth public officials through education, monitoring, investigation, reporting, and referral. The NACC provides an independent legislative mechanism to address serious and systemic corruption, filling a crucial gap in Australia's integrity framework.
Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC): Established in 1989, the ICAC is an independent and non-political body tasked with improving the integrity of the public service. ICAC possesses significant investigative powers, including the use of listening devices and telephone interception. It operates independently without a government minister overseeing its operations.
Crime and Corruption Commission (CCC): The CCC is an independent statutory body with a broad range of powers to investigate and reduce corruption across the public sector. It can also investigate other serious crimes such as money laundering, fraud, and homicide. The CCC has the authority to call witnesses to hearings and require individuals to produce evidence, although it cannot charge individuals with corruption or other crimes.
Commonwealth Integrity Commission (CIC): The Australian government announced the establishment of the CIC in December 2018 to address corrupt and criminal behaviour by Commonwealth employees. The government allocated $104 million in the budget to fund this commission. However, critics have described the proposed body as a "watered-down" version of a federal anti-corruption commission, arguing that its powers are too limited.
Whistleblower Protections: The Albanese government has pledged to strengthen protections for whistleblowers, who play a crucial role in exposing wrongdoing and corruption. In NSW, an Ombudsman's report revealed a record 1,538 reports of wrongdoing by public officials or organisations in 2018-19, indicating an increase in whistleblowers' confidence to come forward.
International Efforts: Australia supports ethical business practices and the prosecution of individuals and companies engaging in illegal activities overseas. The country's thematic autonomous sanctions regime for serious corruption helps maintain Australia's global reputation and improve investment opportunities. DFAT's Fraud and Corruption Control webpage provides information on fraud and corruption control for Australians abroad.
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Frequently asked questions
Transparency International's 2022 Corruption Perceptions Index gave Australia a score of 75 points, ranking it 13th place, a fall of six places since 2012. In 2019, Australia was ranked 12th.
80% of Australians want to see a federal anti-corruption body. The government has faced calls to introduce a strong, well-resourced national integrity commission.
The government has established the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) to provide an independent legislative mechanism to investigate and address serious and systemic corruption.
