Australia drops in corruption ranking amid global backslide
Australia has dropped one point in Transparency International’s annual Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), with a score of 76 on the 100-point scale, falling from equal 10th to equal 12th place on the global ranking.
Australia’s score is 9 points below a high of 85/100 in 2012 but still above a record low of 73 in 2021.
Transparency International Australia CEO Clancy Moore said the score reflects the ongoing corruption risks of big money in politics and weaknesses in holding public officials to account for abuses of power.
“Despite the Albanese government’s strong reforms since 2022, this result shows integrity reform in Australia needs renewed commitment—not complacency.
“It’s time for the Albanese government to shine a light on lobbying, shut the revolving door between industry and politics, and finish the job on political donations and spending laws.”
2025 saw scandals around MPs’ travel entitlements, whistleblowers face legal action for speaking out, and the NACC overturn its original decision to not investigate the Robodebt scandal. Prior to the 2025 election, $138 million dollars of ‘dark money’ or donations with no known source, flowed to political parties, laying bare the vast amounts and powerful interests that remain hidden.
TI Australia’s research shows the Commonwealth’s lobbying regulations also lagging far behind all Australians states.
The global results have found:
- Most countries are failing to keep corruption under control: more than two thirds—122 out of 180—score under 50.
- The global average has dropped to 42 out of 100, its lowest level in more than a decade, pointing to a concerning downward trend.
- Australia’s allies, the United Kingdom (70/100) and USA (64/100) are at historic lows underscoring a broader trend of democratic backsliding among established democracies—a trajectory Australia must actively resist.
- The Asia-Pacific average has risen by one point to 45. Corruption continues to pose a serious threat, as the majority of nations in the region (21 out of 31) score below the global average, including major democracies like India (39), Bangladesh (24) and Indonesia (34).
Transparency International Australia Chair and Griffith University integrity expert Professor AJ Brown AM said the small drop was a wake-up call:
“To move forward again, the government must re-commit to integrity reforms. There is a clear opportunity for Australia to show leadership, strengthen public trust, and work its way back up the world’s top 10.”
“In 2026, the government must take practical steps to strengthen integrity and rebuild public trust by protecting people that blow the whistle on corruption and other wrongdoing in the public and private sectors.”
“The National Anti-Corruption Commission must also do more to earn public confidence and meet the community’s expectations.”
“If the government can seize this moment to drive strong reform, and implement effectively, they can deliver the change Australians expect and deserve.”
View the full 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index report and results for our country and region.