Leppington

• The latest Corruption Perceptions Index – an annual survey from Transparency International that tracks how corrupt governments are perceived to be – shows Australia still has a way to go on this front.
• Australia came in at 14th place with a score of 75 out of 100, which is the same score as last year.
• In 2012, Australia had ranked an impressive seventh in the world with a score of 85.

The anti-corruption commission is just the first step

• Using rigorous methodology, the index compiles independent assessments of a country’s efforts to prevent and control corruption by business leaders and experts.
• The National Anti-Corruption Commission, for example, is not the magic bullet that alone will restore Australia’s good standing on the global stage.
• While it’s important to investigate these allegations of wrongdoing, the National Anti-Corruption Commission cannot stop every bad policy or practice.
• Promoting integrity is bigger than the National Anti-Corruption Commission.

Election financing and whisteblower reforms

• While the National Anti-Corruption Commission is a first step, we still need to implement reforms on election financing, foreign bribery and anti-money laundering regulations, and protections for whistleblowers.
• However, there is more the commission should be able to do if the government makes the appropriate policy decisions on election reform.
• Three areas need attention: 1) We need limits on campaign financing and better regulation of political donations.

Adam Graycar has received funding from the Australian Research Council. He is a member of Transparency International.