Corruption in Australia

Corruption in Australia is comparatively uncommon. Australia is ranked one of the least corrupt countries in the world, according to Transparency International’s annual Corruption Perceptions Index, which measures corruption in the public sector.^[1] However, according to this index, corruption is increasing in Australia. In the 2015 Index Australia ranked 13th dropping six positions since 2012. ^[2]

The phenomenon has also been studied by the Australian National University, which produced a report called Perceptions of Corruption and Ethical Conduct (2012), which concluded: "there is a widespread perception that corruption in Australia has increased" and that "the media, trade unions and political parties were seen as Australia's most corrupt institutions.^[3]

Australia has a strong record of global, regional and domestic action to prevent and expose corrupt activity. These include the G20 Anti-Corruption Working Group, APEC Anti-Corruption and Transparency Working Group and the United Nations Convention against Corruption Working Groups.^[4]

Most Australians regard the acceptance of luxury gifts by the Australian politicians to be a form of corruption through bribery. ^[5]

References

1. Jennings, Andrew (13 December 2012). "Ranking doesn't change foreign bribery facts". Lawyers Weekly. Retrieved 9 November 2013.
2. "Australia continues slide down International Corruption Index, perceived as 'more corrupt'". Retrieved 27 January 2016.
3. Creagh, Sunanda (5 November 2012). "Media, unions and political parties seen as Australia’s most corrupt institutions". The Coversation. Retrieved 9 November 2013.
4. "Attorney-General's Department >> Crime and corruption >> Anti-corruption". Retrieved 9 September 2015.
5. http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/photo-bombshell-stuart-robert-tony-abbott-and-ian-macfarlane-in-power-dinner-with-chinese-mogul/news-story/5a81f0ab63e4492eeb69505b8996c4a9

A world map of the 2014 Corruption Perceptions Index by Transparency International